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.

How To Pack the Perfect Beach Bag

Like anything in life, it takes planning.  From something as large as a wedding to something as small as a beach bag, it takes planning or your experience may be less than you expected.  What you bring to the beach is not simply a grab and go business. The idea is to get there and whatever happens, you do not need to leave your spot or cut your beach time short because you have what you need in your bag.

First, you need to buy a beach bag.  Make sure it is big enough for all your things because you don't want to look like a bellhop.  Keep it simple...one bag.  A good beach bag can be found at most department stores and specialty shops. Make sure the bag is tough enough to carry all your things and do the job many times over, meaning it is durable and is not going kaput after one use.

Put the following items in the bag: beach towels, cover-up or light jacket, swimsuit (or put it on before you get there), flip-flops or sandals, books or magazines, sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), aloe vera (you just never know), sunglasses, hat, snacks, beverages, MP3 player (ipod or whatever you have for music), cell phone (fully charged), wallet or purse with cash/credit cards, a change of clothes (including underwear). Optional items to bring to make the day extra awesome include, a beach chair, beach umbrella, and beach toys or sporting goods.  This is a basic list of things to bring.  You can add whatever else you feel is necessary.

You need to remember to bring more than one towel because one is for sitting on and the other is to dry yourself off with. Nothing worse than not having enough towels...it is very inconvenient.  Don't forget to include an insulated bag to keep your food and snacks cool if refrigeration is necessary. Insulated bottles are good too to keep your beverages cold.

This is why the beach bag needs to be big.  Here is a tip...if you put the towels at the bottom of the bag it will help you get everything else in a little easier.  Now you are ready to go!

Summary of Fall 2013 Fashion Trends

So you didn't make it to New York, London, Milan or Paris for any of the Fashion Week big reveals. Don't worry, you can still be fashion forward, in style, fashion fierce, trendy, you name it. This is a quick run down of what is trending this fall.  Most of us don't have thousands to spend, but that does not mean you can't look good still.

Now, get your note pad out.... Get yourself some nice outerwear.  A cool parka, nice leather, just to name a few, are all good.  Different lengths, colors, fabrics are great to experiment with, so have fun.  A great coat will be the focus of your look.  Be careful! If you put on a striking coat, don't go crazy with the outfit underneath.  Keep it simple. The coat is the article of clothing you want to emphasize, not compete with.

Next, get yourself a cute hat.  Didn't think you had the head for it?  Well, this is the year and season to try it.  A beanie goes with everything! If you want to experiment, try a cool fedora, knit, or even a baseball cap.  There is a hat for every occasion!

Classic prints are back!  Put away the florals, and crazy designs.  Houndstooth is the print to have. It adds a chic and professional look to your wardrobe, so wear it to work. It goes with everything, so you cannot go wrong.  You thought you had to put the leopard print away?  You can keep it for fall. You can jazz it up with different colors of leopard...pink or red are options.

Let's talk about colors now.  If green is your favorite color, you are in luck. It is the color to have. Emerald green is perfect for the fall.   Heels and bags are other ways to wear this fabulous color.  The military inspired look is trending this fall, so that means khaki green is also going to be a popular color pick.  Good news! You can still wear white after Labor Day.  It is called winter white! This will be great against all the dark fall colors. 

Layering is also a hot trend this fall.  Mixing different textures with bottoms and tops is a definite do.  However, do not put so many layers on that you look bulky. Sheer is good for this and keeping the pieces looking streamlined is key.  Don't go crazy with too many different colors and patterns and end up looking like an eyesore.

Peplums are still here.  If you have not tried this type of top, you may be surprised.  It can help add curves and define your waist.  It can look great depending on what you select, so take the time to find the right one for you.

Finally, leather is great to have this fall, so invest in a nice piece or two. Just don't wear it from head to toe, unless you want to look like you belong on the back of a Harley.

So, ready to go shopping to jump start your fall wardrobe and look fashion forward?

Making More Sense of Sun Protection Products | The Ingredients

You put your bikini on, you know what SPF is and that you need to select a product with a level of at least 30, but higher is better in this case. You know the sun emits radiation in the form of UVA and UVB. You know how each kind can harm your skin. That's a great start! Now what?

There are lots and lots of sun protection products out on the market which means lots of different ingredients as well.  To best help you understand what to look for, we are going to point out two basic ingredients to look for and why.  We will also list the ingredients you do not want to put on your skin.  Everything else in between can be considered at your own discretion and preference.

First we need to discuss the two types of sunscreens: physical barriers and chemical barriers.  Physical barriers are what they say they are.  They prevent the sun's rays from penetrating your skin and cause them to scatter instead. Chemical barriers are different because they are absorbed into your skin and from there they absorb the sun's rays before they can cause damage to your skin.  Although effective, there is a question of safety that surrounds them.

There are three ingredients in sunscreen products that should be avoided:  oxybenzone, octyl methoxcycinnamate (OCC), and retinyl palmitate (a form of vitamin A). Oxybenzone is a common ingredient found in a lot of products and it may well be in the product you are using right now. It has a reputation of being a potential hormone disruptor, can cause allergic reactions and penetrates the skin in large amounts. Sunlight can cause oxybenzone to form free radicals which means it will cause skin to prematurely age.  Who wants that? OCC is commonly found in products as well and it is toxic when exposed to sunlight. Great! The last thing to avoid is retinyl palmitate. Yes, it can help slow the skin's aging process, but once exposed to sunlight in a sunscreen, it also forms free radicals and can harm you. 

So what's left to use?  Good old zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are your best bets.  They are also safe to use on children as recommended by pediatricians.  The new formulations that are available now are not heavy feeling and provide the protection you need. 

The next time you go shopping for sunscreen just keep these ingredients in mind and hopefully it will help you make the best choice possible for yourself. We want you to stay safe in the sun while you look beautiful in your swimwear.

We are not health experts, but we want to pass along information that we feel is helpful to our fellow readers and followers to help you start your own research. 

How To Pick the Right Color Swimsuit

Now that you have decided on what cut and style of swimwear suits your body, you have to make a second decision. What color??? Print or solid?

The most difficult task is already done, so take a breather and relax.

Black is an easy color to go with. If in doubt, go dark.  It helps minimize the parts that you do not want to emphasize.  It is safe. However, be careful because as much as black helps conceal and minimize, you may want to emphasize what you have instead.  For instance if you have a smaller bust, black will not help, so black is not for everyone all the time.

Color helps emphasize or create the illusion of having more. If you want to look like you have a larger bust or a more round bottom, a colored swimwear piece will help. A splash of color will draw attention and play up whatever curves you want to put emphasis on.

Now, just because you have a large bust, does not mean you always have to wear black on top. Color is still your friend, but just not the bright ones.  Stick with a  pastel color or less intense hue, such as a creamy hue. They will actually help de-emphasize that area.  Just make sure whatever bikini top you pick provides you plenty of support. That is first and foremost the most important decision that precedes color selection.

Who gets to wear stripes? Stripes are for ladies who want to help add emphasis on body length.  Like all stripes, they help elongate. Wear it if you want to look taller or stretch out your trunk or legs. The bikini cut you wear can help do this, so it's not entirely necessary to wear stripes.

Who gets to wear prints? If a two piece bikini is not for you or you are not quite sure about it, a one piece swimsuit with a darker print can help and will give you a slimmed down appearance. How? Simply by drawing the focus to the print pattern and not on curves or bulges that you don't want attention on. Unlike stripes which are only

for a select number of women, a print can be for anyone! It just makes things a little extra exciting if the swimsuit cut or style doesn't accomplish that already by itself.

Don't forget, it is okay to mix and match! There is no rule that says you have to have the same color for the top and bottom. A print on top and solid color on bottom or color on top and black on bottom, etc..

We hope this helps you get a better sense of how to approach the task of swimsuit shopping. It can be super fun! Surprise yourself!