I hope you had a great weekend and are looking forward to enjoying a long holiday weekend. I found this "When In Doubt Work Out" pillow and couldn't help but smile. It's pretty solid advice.
Think of exercise as a reward, not punishment. That approach will change your life.
Here's some healthy living news to help you win your week:
So if you're stuck at your desk, here are exercises you can do at your deskfeaturing a heavy dose of squats, chair crunches, calf raises, desk pushups, tricep dips and bicep curls.
Check out these diet myths that can hurt your weight loss efforts. For example, calories don't matter if it's a healthy food. Or you can eat whatever your want if you exercise. Both of these are WRONG. You can't outrun the fork. I gained weight when I was training for marathons because I would eat that extra cookie. Or six.
Wearing cute workout wear can sometimes be motivation to get you in the mood to fight through your exercise session. At least it did that for me Tuesday night.
Don't believe me? Tory Burch is launching its Tory Burch Sport line in 2015 with yoga, golf, tennis and other athletic fashions. This speaks to the behavior of so many real women like me who wear workout clothes to the gym and throughout the rest of the day.
Here are some stylish, activewear looks that work both in and out of the gym:
The great thing about these pieces is that they can generally found at a nice price point. Each of them can work in the gym and for errands or even a casual lunch afterwards. Simply throw on a light jacket or sweater if you're worried about being too cold.
Doing a Rangers pre-game show with Mark McLemore & Blue Man Group
With the weather warming up, if you're heading to a game at Globe Life Park or any baseball stadium sometime soon, there's a good chance you'll leave drenched. And I'm not talking Emily Jones drenched. I mean drenched in sweat from the heat.
If you're a fellow sports girl, that doesn't mean your makeup has to melt and fade as the temperatures approach triple digits.
I have spent 12-hour days in August heat in Arlington and had to go on TV at the END of the work day. Despite sweating my ass off, my makeup was still somewhat fresh. Yours can be, too, by incorporating a few simple tricks.
You should be wearing primer on most occasions. It's an outstanding way to help your makeup last. I don't go full-face-makeup without three primers I refer to as my secret weapons:
This is the biggest thing. In the oppressive summer heat, less is more. Don't wear a ton of heavy products. Use a BB cream instead of foundation and perhaps a nice lip gloss instead of thick lipstick.
Also, don't wear eyeliner on your lower lid. It is guaranteed to run and give you raccoon face. If you need eyeliner, use a gel liner like MAC's Fluidline or Lancome's Long Wear Gel Liner.
In fact, go a step further and forgo mascara on the lower lash line, too. I went on TV all the time without eyeliner and mascara on the lower lash line. It's fine, no one will notice.
Also, don't reapply powder with a sponge. Instead use a retractable brush with a hint of translucent powder (I love MAC Blot Powder) and simply run that over your face when your feeling oily. Even better, use blotting paper. A number of TV personalities, both male and female, use these to control oil and shine.
Earlier this year, we shared the 25 best diet tips of all time. I stumbled across an article recently detailing weird weight loss tricks that workfrom Allure.
There are some of the usual suspects like eat off small plates (a proven weight loss winner) and give up the guilt. The latter is a diet gamechanger. Turns out the stress induced by the guilt of overeating can cause you to eat more. Just enjoy an indulgent meal and move on. That has saved me in more ways than one.
Some of the other suggestions are fascinating and smart:
When eating out, sit at the end of a table away from the center where the bread and chips are normally placed. Easy, simple and genius.
Sleeping in a chilly bedroom can help rev up your metabolism. It forces your body to heat itself up and, in turn, you will burn calories keeping yourself warm.
Researchers have found that drinking one to two glasses of wine a day helps keep your weight down. Why? Well researchers can't exactly explain but they have found that women tend to eat fewer calories when drinking wine and burn more calories after drinking than men do. The key? It's moderate wine consumption.
Check your allergy meds, these can be a sneaky cause of unexplained weight gain because H1-type antihistamines like Claritin or Allegra block the histamine's in the immune which play a role in appetite and metabolizing fat.
I would add perhaps my most effective one: put your fork down between bites. It forces you to eat slower which allows your brain to signal your stomach you're full. It works. Promise.
Cue the cliché alert: I have World Cup fever. My TV is on all day while I am working with the games going on in the background. I found myself with a rooting interest in Brazil/Mexico and cannot wait until Sunday's USA/Portugal match.
I am not alone. The ratings for the USA/Ghana match were insane: a 6.3 household rating and 11,093,000 viewers, making it the most-viewed soccer match ever on ESPN.
If you're going to a bar, watching party or just want to show your spirit there is so much great gear to help you support your favorite team.
Scroll through to browse
US & World Cup Soccer gear:
Are you into the World Cup? Do you plan on watching USA/Portugal? Donde?
Since I started working at Los Angeles duopoly KCBS/KCAL, I have been working in LA Wednesday through Sunday and flying back to Dallas on a redeye early Monday morning every other week to do work for FC Dallas.
I have gotten my travel game down. I have learned (FINALLY) how to pack without checking a bag. A good travel bag is key. I picked up this Swiss Gear rolling carry-on bag at Target. It's been an absolute gamechanger. Tumi and Victorinox also make great ones.
No matter where I'm headed there are certain essentials I always take with me on a flight. I have learned through years of road trips covering the Cowboys, Mavs and more that if you fail to plan, you've got a plan to fail on a flight.
Here are my airplane travel essentials:
Headphones - noise-canceling headphones are a must.
iPad - again, a must. I keep magazines, books, TV shows and movies on here.
A Comfortable Maxi Dress - these are a great travel option. They keep you covered while not being too hot or bulky.
Jack Black Natural Mint Lip Balm - great for moisturizing both on the plane and off. Double bonus? It provides sun protection with SPF 25.
Keihl's Creme de Corps - Keihl's is the traveler's best friend. You buy one bottle of lotion or an eye cream like their Creamy Eye Treatment and you will score samples galore. They will give you a small bottle of Creme de Corps that is TSA-approved. Just ask. A little of this goes a long way.
Caudalíe Beauty Elixir - airplane cabin air is so drying, this adds moisture to help your face stay hydrated. This is also a great after-shave for men.
Eye Masks - I use them and love them. They're essential when trying to sleep.
Toothpaste - I don't need to explain this, do I? The toothbrush is a given, isn't it?
derma e Hydrating Eye Cream - packed with hyaluronic acid to help keep the thin, dry skin beneath your eyes hydrated.
Hunter Wool Socks - I wear them and don't apologize for it. They keep your feet toasty warm.
Shawl - instead of those skeegy airplane blankets I bring my own shawl. It also serves as my "coat" on trips. I clean after every extended holiday.
I always bring an empty water bottle to fill when I pass security. If you want a pre-stocked TSA-approved travel bag packed with toiletries, there are some brilliants ones available for both men and women for under $15.
Venice - photo taken during the starter marriage honeymoon
It seems like everyone I know is traveling right now. I am leaving the husb and little one at home and heading on a two-week Mediterranean cruise with one of my BFF's later this June. This is the exact honeymoon cruise I took with my first husband. I like to call that my starter marriage.
I am dreading packing for the trip. Think about it: fitting two weeks worth of clothing into my Bric's trolley suitcase that will need to fit into our 222-square foot cruise ship cabin. A cabin, mind you, that will be holding two women with lots of beauty products and shoes, size 11's no less.
Pack the Basics, Focus on Accessories
One solution I have found is to focus on accessories. My packing philosophy for long trips is to bring basics: shorts, a pair of jeans, a skirt or two, some simple blouses and one or two dresses. I mix up my looks with accessories like jewelry and scarves, which are easy to roll up in your luggage.
If you choose wisely, jewelry takes up no room. As much as I want to, I won't be bringing any Hermes XL bangles with me. Instead it will be stylish, delicate pieces that can fit into one travel roll I carry in my purse.
California-based jewelry designer gorjana makes jewelry that fits the bill perfectly for travel as well as every day living. The designs are on-trend yet have a timeless quality about them that endure. Double bonus, the pieces are packable and versatile.
Scroll through to browse jewelry perfect for a trip or every day.
As for actually packing the pieces, a good jewelry roll can be your saving grace. I put my pieces in a freebie jewelry roll (similarhere) I have had for years. It's about the size of a deck of cards with separate compartments for bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces. Pack your earrings with your earrings, bracelets with your bracelets and so on.
Remember
NEVER pack your jewelry in your luggage. ALWAYS carry it with you. You don't want to risk it getting lost with your checked baggage.
The Takeaway
Smart accessories help you get multiple uses out of the same clothing on a trip. Wear different accessories with the same dress and you have a different look without adding unnecessary bulk to your luggage.
Okay, say your dad actually wants a tie for Father's Day. That's cool. Just don't get him a lame one. Here is a selection of "traditional" Father's Day gifts that will make your favorite Dad smile.
Scroll Through to Shop Fabulous Father's Day Gifts
Still stumped? After years of working with guys, That Sports Girl knows what they want and has got you covered. We have Father's Day gift guides for the sports loving dad, foodie dad and techie dad.
One of the best Father's Day gifts you can give your favorite dad is one that will make him a healthier man.
exhale's Core Fusion class
I have become addicted to exhale'sCore Fusion Barre classes Dallas' Hotel Palomar. They do a better job of lifting my booty than just about anything else. There are a few men who take the classes but not many. I contend guys should consider these workouts for two reasons:
It's a phenomenal way to strengthen your entire body, particularly your core, while gaining flexibility.
It's a great way to meet girls! The girl to guy ratio is usually 10:1. That's why I am dragging my 27-year old brother with me. True story: one NBA player told me "If you want to meet the hotties you gotta take pilates." Wise words. I digress.
Exhale Core Fusion classes were co-created by Fred DeVito. He and his wife, Elisabeth Halfpapp, are the athletic brains behind the program that is a true gamechanger.
me and exhale co-founder, Fred Devito
During his May visit to Dallas, he shared the benefits of barre and Core Fusion classes for men with me prior to teaching a booty-kicking Core Fusion Barre class. "We focus on things in our class that men don't focus on: flexibility and core strength," Devito said. "Men focus on cardio and weights. They’re good at that."
"The philosophy is that you’re only as strong as your weakest link in a chain. If you strengthen the weakest links in your body, your entire fitness level will improve. You’ll reduce the risk of injuries. You’ll perform better, look better and feel better."
"To get there it takes dedication, consistency and commitment. You gotta work your butt off and you have to allow some time to see results and that’s difficult."
DeVito suggests signing up the father or sig-o in your life for a class you're not taking. "Men don’t want to be in the situation where they’re looking stupid," he admits.
"Get him to a class you’re not taking because then he’s not worrying about what you're thinking about him." That's smart. I'm trying to get not only my brother but also my husband to join me. I know I'll give them crap for looking awkward while trying to master the moves.
The Takeaway
In all seriousness, a series of classes, gym membership or session with a personal trainer is a great gift for the man in your life. Whether he's looking for a change of pace or starting a program, he'll notice an enormous gain in strength, flexibility and stamina by taking these types of classes. Click here for the latest exhale Dallas class schedule.
Core Fusion Extreme
As for what's next for exhale, they will be rolling out Core Fusion Extreme, a high intensity interval training class in a few weeks.
Image via Instagram.com/exhalespa
"It incorporates station work where they will be five stations. You’ll rotate around and do 45 seconds of each exercise multiple times. It is a kick ass class. When you’re done with the stations there’s center core work for balance and stability."
It's a one-hour class that will feature TREX suspension training, plyometrics, heavy weights and sliders.
"It’s all based on our core fusion principles and on working with correct form. A lot of classes are about speed (i.e. how many reps can you do in 45 seconds). We’d rather you pace yourself and work correctly so you don’t get hurt and build your endurance and stamina."
Don't have an exhale near you? You can exercise with one of their DVDs.
Scroll through the selection below to learn more.
*exhale provides classes on a complimentary basis. Opinions expressed here are my own.
"Everything at the stadium falls under our purse policy," according to AT&T Stadium spokesperson Bret Daniels.
That means every game whether it be NFL, NCAA or high school, every concert, every soccer match, EVERYTHING. Your opaque bag must be no larger than 5.5" x 8.5" to be allowed into the stadium.
Here is some handbag inspiration to help you figure out what works.
If you attend a lot of events where purse and bag policies are in play, I would suggest getting one bag that works. I have a Chanel Wallet on a Chain I use for each game, along with a clear, quart-size Ziplock I use as Jordan's diaper bag.
I am always updating my Gameday Fashion and Cowboys Fashion boards on Pinterest. Follow them for a constant stream of bags that will work for both the NFL & PGA Tour's purse policy.
AT&T Stadium Purse Policy TIP:
To determine if your purse will be allowed into AT&T Stadium, simply fold an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper in half. If your bag is smaller than that, it's good to go.
Here are some weekend sales you need to know about:
Cilantro - I don't get the hatred for this fine herb.
Here's what else caught my eye in the diet and fitness world this week:
Have you taken a break from exercise and are looking to get back into it? If so, go slowly. You can't expect to pick right back up where you left off. Learn how to tackle exercise after a workout hiatus.
Change your attitude about exercise, change your weight. Thinking of exercise as "playtime" can be an effective in helping you lose weight. If you think of it as fun rather than a workout, you might be less likely to compensate your calorie expenditure with extra food. Confused? Read this.
It's now officially a middle linebacker conundrum for the Cowboys with Sean Lee out. What will Dallas do? How is Brandon Weeden approaching the season? AND what do you think about Stephen Jones leaving open the possibility of Josh Brent returning?
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