What is Vegetarianism?

Just read that Beyoncé and Jay-Z are going on a 22-day vegan diet.  People choose to be vegetarian because of religious, health, environmental, political, aesthetic, economic, or cultural reasons.  There are different types and variations of plant based diets that people adopt, but the vegan diet is the strictest one of all.  Let's take a closer look to see what these various plant based diets are about. 

Vegetarianism is defined as not eating meat of any type which includes, red meat, poultry, seafood, and the flesh of any other animal.   Where it gets fuzzy, is some vegetarians will eat by-products of animals, such as eggs, milk, honey, etc., whereas others will not.  Part of being a vegetarian includes reviewing processed foods to check whether it contains any animal-derived ingredients prior to consumption.  Some vegetarians mind whereas others may not mind so much about animal-derived additives. 

There are varieties of vegetarianism.  For instance, an ovo-vegetarian diet includes eggs, but not dairy products.  A lacto-vegetarian diet includes dairy products, but not eggs.  A person can be an ovo-lacto-vegetarian and eat both dairy products and eggs.  A pescatarian diet is a term you do not hear often and is not technically a vegetarian diet because it includes eating fish and all fish products such as fish oil.  Many people adopt this way of eating, but they are not true vegetarians.  The same can be said about semi-vegetarians since they eat poultry and meat as long as it is not associated with mammals.   

A vegan diet is essentially a strict vegetarian diet.  This diet excludes all animal products, including eggs, milk, honey, and beeswax.  Ethical vegans are individuals who not only adopt a strict vegetarian diet, but also exclude the wearing of leather or using any product that contains animal products.  Vegan diets tend to be higher in dietary fiber, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron and phytochemicals, and lower in calories, saturated fat, cholesterol, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, zinc and vitamin B12.  Heart disease appears to be much less of a problem associated with a vegan diet. 

Part of living a healthy lifestyle includes making diet choices and this is just one type of diet that can help you get there.  Vegetarianism can be drastic for some people to undertake, but including more plants in your diet would be an excellent thing to do in general.  Remember what was posted on the Deja Soleil blog recently about great looking skin and being bikini fabulous?  A lot of those food items were fruits and vegetables, so give it a try.   

Holiday Gift Ideas

Most of us are getting in the swing of shopping for gifts or making a wish list for ourselves.  I cannot help but be curious as to what gifts are being recommended by experts, magazines, men, and women in general.  What caught my attention the other day was from a men's online site, AskMen, that had suggested a list of great holiday gifts for women.  I thought I would share which gifts struck me the most on this list and would in fact be "neat" to either give or receive.

 

Bikinis and swimwear in general were not on the list, but that is not surprising.  Most men would not venture to purchase swimwear for a woman because it is such a personal choice.  I cannot blame them for that.  MeUndies by MeUndies.com was one of the items on the list.  I love Victoria's Secret, but this is a nice alternate choice where both men and women can shop.  MeUndies.com offers everything from ultra-soft briefs to sexy thongs and cute matching underwear prints for him and her.  They offer unisex tanks and really nice basic undergarments that make great staples for any lady's underwear drawer.  This was a definite thumbs up on my holiday gift list.

For those who are not up to date on every shoe on the market, Ugg makes ballet flats too!  Ugg Antora Ballet Flats have sheepskin on the inside, so you can wear flats all season long without your feet getting cold.  What a great idea!  They look chic enough to wear to work even, so this made it onto my holiday list of great gift ideas too.

A Breville juicer or any nice high quality stainless steel juicer would be great to have too, so you can make healthy and nutritious drinks at an economical price and on demand too.  The stainless steel design would compliment any kitchen décor and everyone can enjoy the benefits of a juicer.  What a great gift!

 

A wrist watch always makes a great gift and this holiday gift idea was listed 3 times on the AskMen holiday gift list.  Of the watches mentioned on this gift list,the Michael Kors watch struck me the most not because of its cool and luxurious design, but because every watch that is sold gives 100 meals to children in need.  What a great concept and partnership between Michael Kors and the United Nations World Food Programs! 

 

Also, who would not like an iPad mini?  This was on the holiday gift list too and the compact size is great on the go.  Who says you cannot have more than one Apple product?  iPhone, iPad, iPod, and an iPad mini would be the full package deal.  This is one way a man can make sure the woman in his life is socially well connected and entertained all day long. 

TiVo is always a nice holiday gift idea for women who enjoy their television shows, but are too busy to watch when it is broadcast.  Like the Breville juicer, TiVo is a great his and her gift and is not too pricey.   The TiVo Premier package delivers all your TV and streaming apps such as, Netflix, Pandora, Hulu, etc., in one unit.  Special holiday pricing may be available as well.

 

The Louise Christ Jewelry Tree would make a great holiday gift for any woman who likes to wear jewelry and needs a temporary place to put her treasures. 

This mirror-finished aluminium jewelry tree tolerates use over time and has the necessary weight to carry her jewelry without tipping over.  This jewelry sculpture originates from Denmark, so allow plenty of time for shipping. 

Lastly, the item that I thought was the most forward thinking and very practical were the All-Weather Touchscreen Gloves found at Sharper Image.  These special enhanced gloves allow you to operate your iPhone, iPad or any other touchscreen device while wearing gloves! The All-Weather Touchscreen Gloves keep you connected while you keep warm!  I think any woman who lives in a cold place would not mind a pair of these special gloves. 

If you found these ideas "neat" too, now might be a good time to start dropping hints to friends, family or to that special person.  There are lots of great gift ideas, including beach getaways that any woman would enjoy.  Most of these gifts could be enjoyed by both men and women equally, except for just a couple of ideas which are gender specific.  Hope this blog helps you with your holiday gift giving as well. 








 

What To Eat For Great Looking Skin

Part of being healthy includes having great looking skin.  To look absolutely radiant in your swimwear, you should exercise for good muscle tone and eat healthy foods to feel great and have great looking skin.  Nothing will show off your skin more than a bikini, so to help you have great looking skin we are going to highlight some key foods to include in your diet.  Skin regenerates approximately every 27 days, so if you start now, you can have better looking skin as quickly as a month from now.

Besides good cleansing practices, using good moisturizers and protecting your skin from sun damage, it is also important to supply your body proper nutrients to develop good skin.  One of the most important things you can do to prevent dry skin is to drink plenty of water.  If there is one thing you are going to do for great skin then make it this one.  Drink as much water as you can each day to help flush away all the needless things your body does not need.  The more water you drink the better your skin will look.  Drinking anything else in place of water is not the same. 

Besides drinking water, green tea is also a good beverage to start drinking.  Green tea is known for its high antioxidant content, but what makes it good for the skin is the polyphenols.  Polyphenols are the healthiest components of fruits and vegetables and they also give fruits and vegetables their bright colors.  The benefits of green tea include acne prevention, slowing the aging process and skin cancer prevention.  Now, the benefits may vary from individual to individual, but this is just a summary of how it may help the skin look great.  It may not hurt to try it, so why not? 

It has been said that if you eat bright colored fruits, it will help your skin.  This is why cantaloupes, berries, tomatoes, and plums will be great additions to your diet.  Not only will your body get vitamins, but it will also get antioxidants that will help improve your skin health.  Citrus fruits like grapefruits and oranges are packed with vitamin C and will help improve your skin complexion as well.  Make these fruits a part of your breakfast or snack. 

Sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, and spinach are great vegetable choices to include in your diet. If you do not like cantaloupes or tomatoes, then substitute with sweet potatoes.  Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, and spinach are rich in vitamin A.  Vitamin A is important in achieving healthy skin because it helps your skin cells regenerate faster.  You can have the fresh looking skin on the surface faster! 

Foods rich in omega 3 fats will help reduce inflammation which appears as redness on the skin sometimes.  Usually, this type of "good fat" is found in high levels in tuna, shellfish, salmon, and sardines.  If you do not like to eat fish, are concerned about contamination content or perhaps it is difficult to obtain, then flax seed is a perfect substitute. You can sprinkle flax seed in yogurt, eat it by itself and/or cook with flax seed oil.  If none of these options are appealing to you, then you can always eat some walnuts. 

The last few food items to include in your diet are whole wheat, lean red meat, eggs, and dairy products.  Wheat has selenium which helps your skin cells be more healthy and meat and eggs have good iron content.  You need iron to prevent dark circles under your eyes and from looking pale.  Dairy products are a good source of vitamin A, so include these as well as long as you are not lactose intolerant.   

Next time you plan your meals, try to include as many of these food items as you can in your diet .  If you already eat these foods regularly, then you are on the right track to healthier living.  Eating healthy will help you have great looking skin and a healthy glow to go along with it.  We want to help you be healthy and look stunning from head to toe every day and look fabulous in your bikini during your getaways.

What Do Your Color Choices Say About You?

Often what color we choose to wear can depend on what activity we are going to be involved in.  Are you going to the beach or are you going to work?  Depending on the work you do, darker colors may be more appropriate versus brighter colors.  Do you want to appear creative or conservative?  The color you wear makes you feel and project certain feelings and gives different impression to others.   Color choice is very much intertwined with psychology. 

Red is a great way to grab the attention of others.  It is visually strong and makes a psychological impact by telling people that you are strong, bold, and to beware.   Just like if you were to wear a red bikini you will certainly be noticed. 

Pink is nonaggressive compared to red.  Pink is warm and calming and soothing compared to red which just gets you stimulated.  Pink is equated with femininity, so when you see a man in pink, it makes him appear less aggressive and more gentle.  That explains why women find men who wear pink attractive! 

If you want to be sunny and cheery all day, then yellow is the color for you.  Yellow is a very optimistic color that stimulates the creative senses.  When you wear yellow you appear friendly and can uplift people's spirits at the same time.  However, too much yellow can be overpowering and it can backfire on you.  A little yellow color can go a long way, so go easy on it.  We don't want to have to wear sunglasses around you. 

Orange is a great way to jump start the party mood!  Put it on and people will think you are fun and enjoy having a good time.  If you are tired of wearing red, then orange is the next attention grabbing color to go to.  Orange can stimulate the senses and makes you look and feel ambitious.  If you want everyone to notice you at the beach then put on an orange bikini. 

Kings and queens wear purple, so if you feel like a princess then this is the color for you.  Purple is not only associated with royalty, but also with wealth, wisdom, and sophistication.  Again, don't overdo it because you will lose the effect.  Just like yellow, a little purple can go a long way. 

Blue is calming just like the blue water you see at the beach.  Depending on the hue of blue you wear, you can appear cold and cool in personality too.  However, in general blue will make you feel and project intelligence, calmness, and trustworthiness.  It is most people's favorite color! 

Nature is green, so when you wear green it makes you feel more at peace with Mother Nature.  If you look carefully, green is located right in the middle of the color spectrum and things in the center are balanced.  This explains the peacefulness you feel when you wear green. 

Every women has black in her wardrobe.  Black is amazing because it says so much and can do so much for you.  Black helps you look sophisticated, intelligent, authoritative and strong.  Black gives a strong message, but it can help us hide at the same time.  It makes you feel safe.  Just like any other color, it is not advisable to wear it completely from head to toe because that will send a different message.  Too much black makes you appear self-absorbed, so not a good idea. 

Grey is totally depressing, so let's not wear too much of that.  That is better kept for home on a day you plan to not see anyone or go anywhere. 

Color psychology is interesting and helps explain the way we feel when we put different colors on.  Of course, at the beach you can certainly mix and match your swimwear colors.  It's always a party at the beach!

Winter Getways

Not everyone lives in a warm and sunny place all year, but even if you do, it may still be nice to go away somewhere for just a few days to relax and rejuvenate.  Any beautiful place where there is a beach and sunshine is considered a perfect winter getaway.  Grab your bikini and let's check the possibilities!

Hawaii is always a great place to go just about anytime of the year.  It has a number of beautiful beaches and plenty of sunshine.  If you don't have a passport and want to fly domestic then this is a perfect place to go.  In case, you did not read all about it, there is a post on our blog "Aloha", that highlights the key features of Hawaii.  You may end up staying longer than you had intended once you get settled on the beach. 

For those who live on the East Coast, the Cayman Islands are a short flight away.  It is only an 80-minute direct flight from Miami!  This is only a hop and a skip away from the US mainland and will be perfect for a short winter getaway.  You can lay on the beach in your swimwear and snorkel with the green sea turtles all weekend long then head back to work on Monday.  The Cayman Islands have resorts that provide an all-in-one experience where you can dive, snorkel, kayak, and see birds while staying on the beachfront. 

The Greek Isles are always sunny and warm!  There are 227 islands and if you can't decide which one to visit then take an Aegean Sea cruise to see which island strikes you more.  Beautiful sunsets and beautiful beaches make this a great destination where you can lounge in your swimsuit for most of the day.

If you want a little more culture, then fly down to Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.  This is Brazil's first capital and if you go down there during Carnival which runs from February 7 to February 13, expect to see a cruising Afro-Brazilian dance party that stretches for miles along the city and the coast.  Here, you can enjoy the beach and a party at the same time!

The Dominican Republic, known as "DR" is right by Puerto Rico, also known as "PR".  The Dominican Republic is a small island in the Caribbean that has beautiful beaches, great people, and full of wonderful food and culture.  If you get hungry at night, try the little eatery that sells hot sandwiches 24 hours a day.  Be sure to bring a couple of bikinis because you are going to be spending a lot of time at the beach and in the water. 

If you would rather stay on the US mainland then Los Angeles and South Beach, Miami are always there for you.  A short drive will lead you to a beach and water and you can always depend on the weather for cooperation.  Hope this post will help you plan your next winter getaway.  A little sun and beach can do amazing things to you! 

How To Get Great Looking Arms

I hear it so many times, "How does.....get those great looking arms?", or "Wow, did you see her arms? They are so toned!".  Having great arm tone does help you look that much more fabulous in swimwear.  It can elevate your "wow" factor a couple of notches higher.  Let's look at how great arm tone can be achieved.

According to Fitness magazine, sexy arms are very attainable.  They let people know right away that you are fit and fabulous.  There are 9 primary muscles in your upper arms and they all need firming in order for you to get the desired results.  You don't need to be on a diet, but you should consume the appropriate amount of calories each day to stay healthy and to meet or maintain your appropriate weight goal.  Too much sugar consumption will slow down fat loss because sugar blocks your fat-burning enzymes.  When you see candy and the package says fat-free, just remember this bit of trivia in the back of your brain. 

It is time to stop envying other women and be the object of envy yourself.  First, do you need to reduce arm fat?  A quick way to determine this is to get yourself in a push-up position, reach over with your left hand and grasp the back of your right upper arm midway between the top of your shoulder and elbow.  If you can grasp more than an inch of fat then it means you will need to take steps to melt the fat.  The good news is fat in this area is quick to melt.  Triangle push-ups are a great exercise to do to help reduce arm fat because they make your muscles work hard. 

 

Next, it is important to understand what muscles you are working on toning.  The biceps are only a third of your upper arm size.  It is the triceps that make up two-thirds of your arm size, so if you want to find a muscle to be upset with, it's this one.  Sculpting the biceps is trickier than sculpting triceps because of extra muscles involved.  To get good sculpting on your biceps you would have to grip your dumbbells 3 different ways -- palms up, palms down, and palms facing each other. 

All you need are the right moves and a set of 5 to 12 pound dumbbells, a sturdy bench or chair, and a handled resistance tube.  There are a total of 9 exercise moves that you can do to help you achieve fabulous arms.  It is recommended that these arm exercises be done 3 times a week or every other day to achieve desired arm tone.  Instead of listing and describing these great arm moves, the link below will take you right where you need to go.  A picture is worth a thousand words! Just visit: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/arms/exercises/hot-arms-workout/

It will take work and dedication to get fabulous arm tone, but we are confident you can do it.  When you hit the beach, let yourself be the object of envy. We want to help you look fabulous in your swimwear when you go on your winter or spring getaway!

Swimwear Fashion Past and Present

The swimwear fashion we see today is certainly not what your grandmother or great-grandmother wore in their youthful days.  It is probably a little less than what your mother had on too.  The swimwear trend has definitely gone from itty to bitty and then from teensy to weensy.  I thought it would be fun to step back in time and look at how swimwear has changed over time as a preview to "throwback Thursday".

Back in 1895, ladies were highly scandalous when seen in a bathing suit that exposed their arms and allowed their legs to be seen from just above the knees on down.  Next, during the Flapper era came a swimsuit that looked more like a mini dress of today.  In London, the swimwear fashion was ever changing and soon ladies were seen wearing swimsuits that bared their arms and allowed their legs to be seen from mid thigh on down.  The next great swimwear fashion trend modeled in London featured swimwear and beach costumes that showed off a woman's bare back.  Back then, the word "costume" was used to describe an outfit worn to the beach, not necessarily a bathing suit.  Finally, in 1946 the first modern-day 2-piece bikini, as we know it to be, debuted in Paris.  The French designer of this ground breaking bikini design had quite a difficult time finding a "respectable" model to display it for him.  He had to settle for a nude dancer from a Paris casino to model the bikini.  It took approximately 50 years for swimwear to evolve to the 2-piece variety. 

So as the 1950's rolled in, the 2-piece bikini got more elaborate featuring lace frills and prints.  The bikini bottoms at this time were still waist high, but as fashion swimwear started to head into the 1970's the bikini bottoms got less in material allowing more thigh and midsection exposure.  The string bikini came into existence around this decade as well and the bottoms got smaller and the tops showed more cleavage too. From there to the present time, swimwear has only gotten more teensy and more elaborate featuring hardware, lace, sexy prints, and more luxurious swimwear materials.  Single piece swimwear has also gotten more exciting with bigger cut outs allowing more skin exposure and are sexy in their own way. 

Fashion is always changing and it is fun to take a look back to see how it all started.  Fashion swimwear designers also like to look back in the past to see what can be borrowed and modernized for today.  We have so many more choices available in swimwear than we did in the past and nowadays there really is a swimsuit for everyone.

Hola!

Seeing all the Christmas decorations out already at department stores, I could not help, but think of that famous Spanish Christmas song, "Feliz Navidad".  Thinking of that then led me to think about Mexico and the wonderful food, beaches, and hospitality found down there.  The best hotels are usually situated on the best beaches, so that is how I start planning a Mexican dream getaway.

Cancun is a wonderful place to visit and is located in southeastern Mexico.  Going to Cancun means you get to experience the pleasures of the Caribbean Sea.  Most of the hotels are located in the hotel zone, but you can still find a piece of heaven amongst all this craziness.  Staying in an exclusive hotel located in the more serene section of the hotel zone means you can enjoy the crystalline waters and pristine sand beaches in a more relaxing atmosphere.  Aside from laying on the beach all day, be sure to also indulge in the sensational food found in Cancun.  There are so many great places to try, you can easily eat somewhere different every night during your stay.  What makes food in this part of Mexico different is its mixture of European and Mexican flavors.  The food in this region of Mexico is not spicy and amazing to taste.  Since Cancun is by the sea, there is an abundance of restaurants featuring fresh fish and seafood on the menu.  Fine dining and relaxing days on the beach in Cancun are enough to make your vacation feel like a stay in paradise.

All the way on the western side of Mexico is Cabo San Lucas.  I cannot write about Mexico without including this beautiful section of the Baja Peninsula.  Cabo San Lucas is smaller in size than Cancun.  Cabo San Lucas does not have the population size nor the city-like atmosphere that you would find in Cancun.  A number of Mexico's top 10 luxury hotels are located in Cabo San Lucas and with good reason.  It does feel very Americanized, but  the soft gentle breezes, warm stretches of sand and the warm azure water that is perfect for snorkeling and swimming make it a minor detail.  Sunset walks along the beaches and beautiful scenery make Cabo San Lucas a fabulous Mexican vacation spot.  The El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is such a distinctive rock formation, be sure to include it on your itinerary so you can get an up close view of it.  A trip to Cabo San Lucas will me memorable for many reasons.

There are other great places to visit in Mexico, such as Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, and Tulum.  Cancun and Cabo San Lucas are probably the most popular destinations for travelers and for good reason.  These two resort areas are so different from each other that it is definitely worth visiting both so you can compare.  It's good to know that a day in paradise is not really that far away, so grab your bikini and fly on out. 

Accessory Trends For Fall and Beyond

We are right in the midst of autumn, with winter on the horizon.  Once Thanksgiving comes, everyone will be in full Christmas mode and soon everyone will be looking into spring after the holidays.  Let's look at what accessories we can pick up along the way that will not only add to our fall wardrobe, but take us into spring as well.  Some of these hair pieces will go along great with swimwear too!

Hair braids were a popular hairstyle worn by runway models as they debuted designer collections.  Others wore hair that varied from chic and neat to loosely put together, but what these different hairstyles had in common was they often adorned a trendy hairpiece.  Beautiful floral prints on clothing has inspired the creation of flower hair accessories. You can wear a hippie flower hairband, flower hair barrettes or flower pins.  Leather hair accessories were another popular sighting on the runway.  Flowers add an element of femininity, whereas leather adds a touch of strength and modern-day toughness to your look.  Leather embellished headbands, leather ties for braided hairstyles, and leather bands for super low ponytails were seen on runway models during fashion week.  Gold was another popular accent seen on the runway that just gives you an extra touch of luxury. Gold accented hair accessories are seen on hair clips, headbands, and barrettes.  Any of these gold accented hair accessories can be added to a sleek hairstyle.  For a more loosely worn hairstyle, you can add gold flecks to add a touch of decadence to that vintage look.  For a more youthful yet luxurious look, a jeweled headband featuring gems and ornaments is another option.  For those minimalist days, even a black headband can be a great add on for that modern look and will go well with most anything.  These latest hair accessory trends can be worn from now through spring.  Finding the right hair accessory can make you shine that much brighter on the street and on the beach.


Chokers have been popular for fall, but it may not be something that you can wear into spring.  Don't worry, there is still plenty of time to add this accessory to your wardrobe and get a lot of use from it.  Chokers can range from the indulgent to the classic.  Chain chokers can be worn casually or elegantly.  It is a versatile accessory that suits various styles.  The punk style choker with spikes and plenty of other hardware is for the more daring woman.  This style of choker tends to make an extra loud statement and can be mixed up with either a sexy or soft outfit.  The choker is not limited to drawing attention to just your neck because if you select a choker featuring a long center strip it will serve more as body jewelry.  Experiment with different chokers and see what works best for you.  Again, the versatility of the choker allows you to mix it up, so you should expect to get a lot of use from this one accessory. 

As we are busy shopping and adding clothing and shoes to our wardrobes, we must not forget the little extras like accessories that can add an extra punch to our look during the current and upcoming seasons.  If you have never tried a hair or neck accessory, I encourage you to do so.  You might be surprised how good it looks on you and it is another way to expand your fashion horizons.

Aloha!

 

We have to explore my home state of Hawaii.  It is one of the most fabulous places on earth and it would not be right to wait any longer before making it a blog topic.  Hawaii is one of those few places that invokes all your senses.  The exotic and tropical fragrances of gardenia to tuberose blossoms are intoxicating and bring back the memories of tropical Hawaiian beaches. 

One of my most favorite beaches in the world is Lanikai Beach, located on the windward coast of Oahu.  Lanikai Beach is only 0.5 miles long, but it is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world.  Unlike most beaches, this one is relatively secluded and in its most natural state.  There are no public parking lots, no lifeguards nor public facilities on site.  Weekdays are great times to visit Lanikai Beach because the weekends can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.  Lanikai Beach is a popular location for photo shoots and on nice days you might spot a renowned model in her bikini working with a photographer on the beach.  If you want to see the most beautiful moonrise, make sure to stay long enough on the nights when a full moon is expected.  You will not be disappointed!

How can I talk about Hawaii and not talk about the amazing food?  You can eat in some of the finest restaurants in Waikiki or you may choose to eat more like a local in the smaller neighborhoods.  Whichever route you choose, you should try each food option at least once for a complete culinary experience in Hawaii.  La Mer, Alan Wong's, Chef Mavro, Michel's, and Roy's are just some of the best restaurants in Hawaii where you can experience exceptional Hawaiian cuisine.  The chefs at these restaurants are innovative and plate the best ingredients found on local Hawaiian farms and the sea.  Not only is the Hawaiian cuisine brilliant, but the service is phenomenal as well.  Dining in Hawaii will certainly end up being a highlight of your Hawaiian vacation.   

Lastly, what is absolutely amazing about Hawaii is the weather.  It is consistent and there are very minor changes in temperature throughout the year.  This means anytime is a great time to visit Hawaii.  The great thing about Hawaii is rain will never ruin your travel plans.  Even when it is raining in Hawaii, it is still beautiful, warm, and seems kind of sexy.  You can always drive around and find a sunny spot if you choose to avoid getting wet. 

Hawaii is a naturally beautiful place and I always wish I had more time to visit.  Hawaii is a place you can visit many times over and discover something new each time and also a place to revisit favorite spots as well.  There is never enough time to enjoy Hawaii. 

How To Kickstart A Running Routine

Running is not for everyone, but some people really enjoy it.  It is simple and requires very little, except for a good pair of running shoes.  Just to continue our discussion of being healthy, this blog topic is for those who are interested in trying running or just wanting to restart it.  Running on the beach is always fun too! Make sure you have medical clearance if you require it and you have proper running shoes to avoid injury before you start. 

Start slow, otherwise you risk failing before getting into the routine.  Don't try and run a marathon right away.  You will likely feel exhausted and out of breath and decide running is not for you if you deep dive into it like that.  We are not fitness experts, but this regimen we are introducing you to seems reasonable.  It was discovered by us when we were researching online for a regimen to help us get moving and becoming fit.  This running plan is spread over an 8 week period to eventually help you build from 1 minute of running to a full 30 minutes of nonstop running.  Dedicate about 30 minutes a day, just 3 days a week and you will be able to achieve this running goal.  Always spend at least 5 minutes warming up by walking and then end your workout with a cool down, such as by doing yoga stretches or even walking 5 minutes.  Fortunately, we have a post-run yoga stretch routine posted on Pinterest on our Fit and Fun board for your convenience.  You can always do these stretches on a day you spend on the beach relaxing in your swimwear too. 

What we liked about this running/walking regimen is, it helps you slowly build stamina each week and appears accomplishable.  On week 1 start with 6 minutes of walking and 1 minute of running in between.  Repeat this sequence 3 times for a total workout lasting 21 minutes.  Repeat this running/walking workout 3 days of the week.  On week 2, walk 5 minutes and run 2 minutes in between.  Repeat this sequence 3 times for a full 21 minute running/walking workout.  Again, do this walking/running workout 3 days of the week.  On week 3, walk for 3 minutes and run for 4 minutes.  Repeat 4 times, and try to do 3 workouts during the week.  On week 4, walk for 2 minutes and run for 5 minutes.  Repeat 4 times and aim to do 3 workouts during the week.  On week 5, walk 2 minutes and run for 8 minutes. Repeat 3 times and try to do 3 workouts during the week.  On week 6, walk for 2 minutes and run for 9 minutes.  Repeat 3 times and try to do 3 workouts during the week.  On week 7, walk for 1 minute and run for 11 minutes.  Repeat 3 times and try to do 3 workouts during the week.  On week 8, try walking for 5 minutes to start, run 20 minutes in between and then walk 5 minutes to cool down.  Try to see if you can run 30 minutes by the end of this week. 

Hopefully, by following this running regimen, you will be able to run 30 minutes nonstop at each running workout and to do this 3 days of every week.  You will have more stamina and be more fit.  You might want to try running your first half marathon even!

 

Feeling Great Starts With Eating Better

Are you one of those people who are trying to lose a few pounds and just can't seem to?  You don't have time to exercise or perhaps you just haven't found the activity that is enjoyable for you to keep doing on a routine basis? Perhaps, you just don't like the idea of getting hot and sweaty after spending time in the morning looking your best. Well, we have some ideas to help you feel healthier every day and to help you keep a bikini fit body.

If any of this describes a part of you or all of you, please keep reading.  We are not diet or medical experts, nor do we claim to be.  We are just reiterating some common dietary fundamentals and through trial and error with our own experiences are sharing what seems to be working for us.  This article is mainly about keeping your body in check and staying trim and healthy.  Most of us would like to be beach body ready at a moment's notice.

Exercise is great for the body because it is good to give your heart a workout and get it beating higher than a resting heart rate.  30 minutes a day or a few times a week is what most people can generally do at best.  It can be as strenuous as a full body workout or a brisk walk. The main idea is to just get your body moving and your heart rate up for 30 minutes or so with a little perspiration on the forehead to top it off.  It has been said that you should not count on this to lose weight.  Instead, look at it as a way for you to eat that small extra snack you crave.  No exercise, means no extra munching. Keep that in mind and only munch as much as you have burned.  

Be realistic with your weight loss goals.  Losing more than 1 pound per week is much too aggressive for the majority of people.  Your body probably won't like you and you will be hungry and putting yourself at high risk of failing.  Losing 1/2 a pound of week is reasonable for most people. Next, set a calorie limit and if you are not sure what is appropriate, My Fitness Pal is a great app tool to help you figure it out.  Once you know what your target daily calorie consumption is, use it wisely to fill it with low calorie foods and snacks throughout the day.  You will feel as if you are eating more, but not necessarily more calories.  For instance, 25 baby carrots is 35 calories and drink water instead of juice to conserve calories.   We found My Fitness Pal to be a useful tool with calorie tracking because it has such a large food database.  You can simply scan the package bar code and it already knows what a portion size should be. Always eat your calorie allotment because putting your body in starvation mode is not the way to achieve long lasting results.  Plus, you will feel deprived, hungry, and unhappy.  It really comes down to making better choices and portion control and to make it a lifestyle modification.  You can still have treats, but not all on the same day.  My Fitness Pal will even show you what percentage of your daily or weekly diet is comprised of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.  This visual summary will help you be more aware, so you can create a more healthy balance in your dietary intake.

There are other great tools out there, but this is just one that we have liked and has worked well for us to achieve our goals, which is to be fit, healthy, and beach body ready all year round.  If you are already on a healthy eating program and it is helping you achieve the right results for you then you should continue on it.  We are happy to hear about people achieving great results in a healthy way.   If you need a great idea for cooking or looking for a new fitness idea, be sure to visit us on Pinterest regularly because we are always pinning!
    

Florida's Best Beaches

Florida, the Sunshine state, has some of the best beaches anywhere.  What is great is you don't even need a passport to go there when you live in the United States.  Florida has so many great beaches that there is a beach for everyone, whether you are looking for a party, a quiet place or one for the whole family to enjoy. 

Delray Beach, Clear Water Beach, Naples, Sanibel Beach, South Beach, Siesta Beach, Atlantic Beach, Key West, Palm Beach, and Captiva Island are ten of Florida's best beaches.  As much as I would like to go in depth about each beach destination, it would take quite a few blogs to cover them all.  Instead, I'm going to pick three fabulous beaches to highlight and leave the rest for you to explore.

One of my favorite Florida beaches is of course South Beach.  It is such a vibrant international playground from dawn to dusk and all the way to the next day.  As soon as you get there the art deco scene will grab your vision and the pastels and architecture of South Beach are sure to be a part of your favorite memories during your stay.  During the day, the miles of man-made beach stretching along the Atlantic Ocean is perfect for an early morning run and perfect for sunbathing and beach sports later in the day.  By night the scene completely changes and the real fun begins.  You will notice the lights and the nonstop legendary nightlife scene spring to life.  Take a walk along Ocean Drive and it will be clear that there is no time to rest and that this party is just getting started.  Try the delicious Cuban cuisine or any of the fresh seafood offered at the local restaurants.  When you leave, you will be looking forward to going back as soon as you can.

Another fabulous Florida beach to visit is Palm Beach.  Also, known as the Gold Coast for its miles of golden sand and serene beaches.  Palm Beach is a place that somehow makes a visitor feel privileged and is fun for everyone. Besides the beautiful beach, Palm Beach is wrapped in wealth and extravagance with its luxury shopping, fine dining, beautiful museums, and Florida's finest hotels.  Worth Avenue is lined with famous boutiques including Gucci, Cartier, and Chanel just to name a few. For those with families, the water park, lion safari and zoo will provide plenty of adventure and fun.  Be sure to make a quick stop here on your next trip to Florida, so you can see for yourself.


If seashell hunting is one of your favorite beach activities, then make sure you include a visit to Captiva Island.  On this island, Turner beach is not great for swimming, but you can find large beautiful intact shells along its shores.  Just be sure to leave the live shells there, otherwise the Florida state authorities will be upset with you.  After an adventurous day of shell hunting on the beach, be sure to visit Captiva Beach to capture the amazing sunset. 

So, the next time you plan a trip to Florida, grab your bikini and be sure to visit one or more of these beautiful beaches.  You will have a great time!  

 

Taking Care of Your Swimwear

Swimsuits are made from fabric and materials that are different and unique from your everyday wardrobe therefore, they require different care instructions.  We want to ensure that you get maximum enjoyment from your swimwear and that it keeps you looking awesome as long as you own it.

Gentle and delicate are the key words to keep in mind.  This means no washing machines and dryers.  Good old hand washing in a very mild detergent is the best way to wash your swimwear.  All you need is a small tub, detergent made for swimwear (found at most specialty swimsuit shops), or simply a small amount of gentle liquid hand soap such as Neutrogena, Dove, or any brand you may have will be fine. In addition, a towel and a flat surface for drying would be most ideal. 

The process begins as soon you bring home from the store or receive that rocking awesome swimwear via the mail. First, read the tags on it and pay careful attention to the manufacturer's recommendations. If anything on there differs from what we are recommending in this article, please follow the manufacturer's suggestions for your particular swimwear. 

Generally, the next step is to rinse the swimwear in the tub with cool water and then apply soap. If you are using special swimwear detergent, then follow those instructions to put the right amount in cold water.  If using hand soap, use 1 teaspoonful per gallon of water.  Put the swimwear in the soapy water and gently massage.  Do not wring swimwear because it may damage the material.  Drain the water and put in fresh water when it is sufficiently clean. Continue to rinse by gently massaging your swimwear until the soap is all squished out.  You may need to repeat this process a few times until there is no more soap in the swimwear and the fresh batch of water is no longer soapy.  Now, take it out and gently squish out any excess water.  Remember, no twisting or wringing.  Lay a towel out on a flat surface and lay your swimwear on top to let it air dry.  Swimwear dries very easily on a flat surface because it so thin and porous.  Laying your swimwear flat to dry is recommended rather than hanging it up because the flat surface will help it keep its shape.  Do not put your swimwear out in the sun to dry as tempting as it may be, thinking it will dry faster that way.  The sun will cause damage to the colors and cause fading.

The reason why we do not suggest using washing machines to wash your delicate swimwear is because it is often too agitating and the detergent you usually put in there will break down the material and you will get less wear out of it.  We want you get maximum enjoyment from your swimwear.  Similarly, the heat of a dryer is much too hot for swimwear and will definitely shorten its life. 

After a fabulous day out in your swimwear, always rinse it in wool water because suntan lotions, chlorine, sand, etc., will cause the fabric to become brittle and cause the color to fade.  Just a quick rinse is all you need until you have time to do a good hand washing.  

So, to keep your swimwear intact and looking fabulous just remember to hand wash, be gentle, and never wring or twist it.  You put time into finding your fabulous swimwear, you look hot in it, so be kind and gentle to it, to get maximum enjoyment from it.  

 

Accessorizing Your Swimwear

So you have found the perfect swimwear that makes you look hot and sexy.  Now you want to elevate that look from beach hot to poolside chic or street chic. The key is to keep it simple and not to look as if you are trying too hard.

A cute wedge heel is a great shoe to wear.  It helps elongate your legs and gives you more height, especially if you are petite.  A cute sandal is also a great alternate choice to complement your swimwear since it is practical for the sand and the street.

Next, do not pick a skin tight cover-up to use if you plan to get wet.  One dip in the pool will cause a tight fitting cover-up to stick to you and bring focus to areas that you may not want it to, plus it will be wet.  Rather, a loose fitting cover-up will make you look classy and subtly hot at the same time.

Hats are great! You can have style and sun protection at the same time.  A floppy hat will be perfect for most women's heads. The curves on the hat will add femininity to your look.  Straw is a neutral hat color that will be easy to add to any swimsuit color or print if you are in doubt. 

Jewelry helps glam up your look and again, the key is to keep it simple.  Heavy jewelry is often not a great choice unless you have no intention of taking a dip in the pool.  Most women are going to find it irresistible to not take at least a small dip especially, when it is a pool party.  Instead, bangle bracelets and a light necklace are better choices to help accentuate the overall look. Regardless of what you pick, you do not want your jewelry to compete with your beautiful swimwear.

Last, but not least, add on a pair of stylish sunglasses (we love Dolce & Gabbana!) to help you complete your style elevation to that next level.  Now you are ready to go from beach side to pool side or hit the street while looking chic in your swimwear.

Top 2014 Swimwear Trends

Swimwear trends for 2014 appear well before Spring of next year.  If you missed it there is no need to worry.  We are going to make sure you are up to date!  You still have a lot of time to select and look at the upcoming styles of swimwear to help you look stylish and cool on your next beach getaway.  Also, some hot swimwear trends from this summer are still hot and are reappearing in the spring.

Everyone has a preferred cut that they tend to gravitate towards and that is fine. Consider trying some of the new trends if you feel adventurous or playful.

For example, the modern monokini is a sexy one piece with strategic cuts in it for you to show your back and front. The trend is for bigger cuts in the swimsuit allowing you to show even more skin.  

Prints are still hot, ranging from floral to tribal for those wanting to be adventurous and bold. Try a leopard print if you have never done so because you might surprise yourself. Leopard print is available in pink hues too for even more fun! Chevron stripes are also a great print to try and look good on just about everybody.

Do you have problems finding supportive swimwear for the sporty beach lifestyle? Now you don't have to compromise functionality for style. The athletic designs and styles appearing are for those who want both style and functionality when participating in water sports and beach play.  You no longer have to worry about your bikini shifting or falling off when you jet ski or surf.  Designers have heard and are designing with those needs in mind. You can now be sporty chic!

Ruffles and fringe are still popular and are a continuing trend for 2014. It is a great sexy and flirty embellishment. Macramé and crochet are all hot looks on swimwear this coming season.  It's a great retro look and very chic. Look for it on tops and bottoms.

Bustier and bra tops for swimwear are giving women even more choices to pick from.  Bustier tops are a vintage inspired look perfect for women who need additional upper support and great for a classic look in general for any woman. If you want that vintage poster girl look, then this is for you.

Lastly, mesh is popular.  You are going to see it as a primary material on one piece swimwear as an insert and also used as layering over metallic or shiny materials on bikini tops and bottoms for that extra sexy look.

As you plan your next sun filled holiday, keep these trends in mind, so you can elevate your hot and sexy look to a new level.