An Everyday Workout

I love exercising. Whether it's going for a run, a bike ride, doing a yoga routine, or doing a weight routine, I really enjoy working out. However, I've always been very sporadic with my workouts, so when I exercise, I try to target every major muscle group. Here is what a typical workout looks like for myself: 

Warm-up/Stretching:

-arm circles

-side lunges

-jumping jacks

Weight Training:

Arms

-bicep curls

-dumbbell shoulder presses

-tricep extensions

Back

-reverse hugs

-lat pull downs

-pull ups

Legs/Glutes

-split squats

-squats

-lunges

-glute bridges

-calf raises

Core

-planks

-bicycle crunches

-v sits

Cardio:

-biking

-stairs

-rowing

-walking

Cool Down:

-stretching

-yoga

My warm ups are usually no longer than 5 minutes; they are just long enough to limber up a little bit and get your blood moving. Make a point of not exhausting yourself too early on though!

Weight training is my favourite part of any workout! I always do my weigh training in supersets of two different muscle groups. What this means is I pick two muscle groups (arms and legs, for example) and pick one exercise for each muscle. I do one set for the first muscle group and then do one set for the second muscle group immediately after; I repeat this three times.

As a way of intensifying my workouts, I add weights to all of my leg/glute exercises and my basic front planks.

I do many variations of planking. Front planks, seesaw planks, side planks, and hip twist planks.

When I walk for my cardio, I make sure my machine is set at a very high incline. This activates the glute muscles as well as every major muscle in your legs.

I hope this inspires some of you to try a new exercise, and maybe there are some experts/experienced people who see something in this workout that needs tweaking. If this is the case, please feel free to email me.

Xx.

*Please be aware that I am not an expert or trained in fitness in anyway. It is very easy to injure yourself when working out, so please talk to an expert before trying something new.

MET Gala 2016 Favourites

I have never been one for award shows. I usually watch about 10 minutes and then fall asleep (with the exception of Leo's big win this year!).

However, the red carpet is something else entirely. The sparkles, the embroidery, the silhouettes, everything makes it so interesting to watch!

The theme for this year's Met Gala was Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology. 

While there are a number of aspects that were to be expected, like silver fabrics and excessive amounts metallic accessories, the guests of this even found so many creative and unique ways to personalize their look. Here are my favourite looks from the gala Xx.

Cindy Crawford

 I love the mix of all-over metallics and mesh inserts on this Balmain dress.

 Emma Stone

The combination of the sleek white Prada gown with the metallic corset-harness makes this dress so modern yet still extraordinarily feminine.

 Emma Watson

There are so many things happening in this Calvin Klein ensemble. The pantsuit, the off-the-shoulder neckline, the monochrome, and the pyjama set-esque waist detailing. Though there is so much, everything works together so well.

 Gigi Hadid & Zayn Malik

I love the neck detail and semi-sheer skirt on Gigi's Tommy Hilfiger gown. And the armoured sleeves on Zayn's Versace suit is a clever way to embrace the technology aspect of the event's theme.

 Kate Upton

I really love it when celebrities wear high street brands on the red carpet. This stunning dress is by Topshop. The single sleeve and cutout at the neck add more dimension, while the classic shape keeps it feminine and sexy.

 Lupita Nyong'o

This Calvin Klein dress is not something I would have expected for a technology theme. This green sequinned dress stood out in the crowd of metallic silvers. And the sheer skirt is gorgeous!

 Naomi Watts

This metallic Burberry gown is so wonderfully feminine. The delicate flowers on the skirt contrast the disco ball feel of the rest of the dress so well.

 Olivia Wilde

The oversized rivets and the extra late choker add so much more personality to this simple, chic Michael Kors sheath dress.

Taylor Swift

This Louis Vuitton dress is gorgeous! The metallic snake print is a funky twist for a red carpet look, the knee-length keeps it fun, and the ruffles and cutouts maintain some femininity. And those shoes!

Nothing Is Forever

It was my birthday last week. And to celebrate (mourn) becoming 22, I ordered some cute pieces from...FOREVER 21! Because I'm ironic like that :)
Expect many posts with these pieces this summer! Xx

I saw this light blue faux leather jacket in my local store a few weeks ago and made the decision to not purchase it, forgetting that inventory cycles through Forever 21 quite quickly. After spending a week looking for this jacket or one very similar, I finally caved and ordered it online.

This black lace slip dress was something that I was not intending to purchase. But hey, free shipping on orders over $50! I do really like this dress though. I quite like how the lace overlay extends a few inches below the hem of the dress. The cut of the dress is simple and elegant and would flatter any body.

Leather Jacket

Lace Dress

Tips For A Healthier You

Personal health is a huge trend right now. But health is not just about being physically fit and it should not just be a passing trend.You are only given one body. Why not take care of it? Below are my top 5 tips for healthy living Xx.

1. Drink water! I can not stress this enough. The average human body is 60% water. We need to keep those levels balanced. Which means drinking at least the recommended 8 glasses of water per day. Additionally, water helps flush toxins out of the body and helps keep your complexion clear.

2. Exercise. Everyone is different so this is widely open to interpretation. For example, I hate running! So I hike and weight train. One thing to remember about exercising is that cardio only goes so far. Weights should be mixed with cardio so that once you lose fat, there will be muscle there to give you a trim and strong figure.*

3. Well-balanced diet. Your mom was not wrong: you need to get your vegetables. And your fruit too. Fruits and veggies have a lot of vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly. The average meal is supposed to be half fruit/veggies, one quarter carbs, and one quarter protein. 

4. Sleep! As a full-time university student, I cannot emphasize the importance of sleep enough! The average teenager/young adult needs at leas 8 hours of sleep a night, with a recommended 10 hours. 

5. Good posture. Ok so this one isn't exactly health. But it does make you feel good about yourself! It is amazing how much better you look and feel when your back is straight and your shoulders are held back. You look stronger, thinner, and more confident which, I have noticed, makes you feel that exact way.

BONUS! Moderation. All things in moderation, they always say. I have no idea who "they" are but I always try to live by the 80-20 rule. 80% weights to 20% cardio, 80% healthy foods to 20% sweets, etc. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself every once and a while.

*Disclaimer: I took a weight-training course and got all of my information from my instructor. However, consult an expert before you try anything new to avoid injury from incorrect form.

Gift Guide | Him & Her for Christmas

I don't know about you, but Christmas shopping is not an easy task. Christmas lists are vague (some would even say childish) and trying to shop without some kind of an idea can be extremely overwhelming. So here is a list of ideas for all of the ladies in your life. 

Perfumes are always a good idea. My favourites right now are My Burberry and Modern Muse Le Rouge.

LUSH bath bombs are always amazing! The Christmas ones are the best. Especially the Snowball.

Knitwear, ponchos, and capes are something very versatile and not too season-dependent that it's very hard to go wrong. Burberry makes the best capes, but Topshop has some great ones too, and they are much more cost-effective. Calvin Klein Jeans also has some amazingly comfy sweatshirts right now. I really recommend them!

I am loving brightly coloured bags right now! They add such a fun pop of colour! And if you are a person that wears all black everything, then a coloured bag adds a bit more dimensionality and personality to your outfit.

Nail polish is the perfect stocking stuffer. It's small, there are many options and colours and even textures. Essie is my favourite brand because they have so many colours and even some simple textures polishes.

Christmas Gifts For Her

Guys are tricky. I don't know about you, but the men in my life never make lists and they never give ideas. Whenever I ask what they want for Christmas, all I get in response is "I don't know." 

Gee! How helpful!

If you're willing to splurge a little, a leather jacket would be a great gift! Joggers are also good. I got my boyfriend a bathrobe for Christmas. A bathrobe is not something that a typical guy will actively go out and buy for himself.

Sunglasses, wallets, belts, beanies, and other simple accessories will always be a hit. They also make good stocking stuffers. 

If you know your man's preferences well, you could get him some cologne. If you're good at being sneaky, take him to the cologne counter of your nearest department store, and find a way to get him to try a lot of the colognes to find out what he likes.

Christmas Ideas for Him