Every Day Casual...updated 5/16/2014

     I am by no means a "fashionista," I have struggled with feeling beautiful and sexy as a woman.  I feel like the older I get (by the day), I am more tired and less motivated to put on make up and brush my hair.  This post will open my section titled in the closet....  Since I am getting married in a few months and hopefully I will be lucky enough to be a mommy in a few years, I want to learn and grow in my fashion sense and self esteem.  I really want to be a super mom that makes it all look easy!
     Even when stress and fatigue are overwhelming it is important to treat yourself first.  Whether it's lighting a vanilla candle while you shower in the morning or getting a fancy latte from the drive thru instead of the regular home brewed blend.  It's amazing to me how little things really make a huge difference in mood and energy!  With each post, I plan to show off an outfit that I feel comfortable and HOT in while also giving some tips I've found for keeping women healthy and beautiful.  So here goes nothing :)
     My first outfit is a simple everyday ensemble perfect for shopping, lunch dates, and casual dinners.  I have come to love the sheer quarter sleeve blouse!  It's perfect for laid back, out on the town outfits like today's post.  It's also perfect in other looks [more coming :) ...as I wear them and photograph].  These shirts are very versatile.  I have a solid white and solid burgundy.  Today, I paired this sexy and comfy blouse with midi-jean shorts.  These are very comfortable...mid-length stretch jean shorts that can be worn rolled up or completely down.  I'm wearing strapping brown sandals, but this could be dressed up a little with a chunky brown wedge.

***UPDATE***  I decided to add where I purchased my items.  I can't guarantee that the exact article will be there but this will give an item of where I typically shop and the things you can find!

Chunky necklace = Target

Blouse = Old Navy (fairly recently)

Midi Jean Shorts = American Eagle (fairly recently...I've also seen these at Target)

Strappy sandals = American Eagle

     To bring the look together, I through on my everyday face.  I have used Clinique  for years now and absolutely love it!  I highly recommend going to a counter for a free consultation.  This is my daily routine for makeup.  It's super simple and easy to do.  I start with liquid foundation then acne treatment concealer.  I then apply "day to date" eye shadow and black mascara.  I finish up with powder foundation.   It takes about 5 minutes and is perfect for any outfit.  This routine is also my base for fancier, more dressed looks.

     In my self esteem struggle, my face as been my arch-nemesis.  I still have acne outbreaks into my twenties and my skin is sensitive to certain brands.  Once I found Clinique, I stuck to it.  I use the 3-step cleanse method every day and the Even Better foundation to cover and treat blemishes.  

     Something I've learned is to wear make up that compliments your natural assets.  You don't have to wear a lot if you wear it correctly.  For eye shadow, you need to match the color to your eyes.  Who'd a thunk!  According to Elle magazine, there are compliments for each eye color.  I've listed them below:

Blue eyes - gold, bronze, copper, champagne, yellow-beige, peach

Brown eyes - bronze, peach, purple, navy, teal, green

Green eyes - Sepia, rust, purple, pink

Hazel eyes (that's me!!!) - Dusty pink, gray, burgundy, deep purple, yellow-brown

                                   

     Here's the complete face!  You can't really tell I have on make up but my skin is even and the dusty pink shadow brings out my natural eyes.  

Circuit Training:"Some Kind of Wonderful" Full-Body

     Some days I reeaallly don't feel like going to the gym, but I know that I can't get into that easy excuse habit.  I've found that no equipment circuits are perfect for these days.  I have a plan and get started, but if I don't finish I still fill like I did something active that day.  The best thing about circuits is that you can alter the workout to your mood, energy level, and strength.  As always, begin with stretching and a light cardio warm-up.  The goal for each circuit workout is to repeat each set of three exercises twice.  Start with one and build up!
     This workout is inspired by Grand Funk Railroad's "Some Kind of Wonderful"  because as I strengthen my body I feel more and more wonderful (hokey I know!).  So here ya go!  Start slow and small and build it up.  The goal is to be better and stronger.  Make sure you drink plenty of water!

"Some Kind of Wonderful" Full-Body Circuit

[Complete each circuit twice.  Rest for 60 seconds between each.]

Circuit #1=

20 Jumping Jacks

10 Push-ups

20 Walking Lunges

Circuit #2=

10 Squat Jumps

10 Tricep Dips

Plank Position with 20 Alternating Leg Lifts

Circuit #3=

30s Wall Sit

15 Bicycle Crunches

30s Side Plank (per side)

Strength Training:"I Wanna Dance With Somebody" Legs

     As a female, one of the hardest muscle groups for me to tone up is my legs.  For some reason, it seems to take months for me to feel like I have lean and sexy legs.  With bikini season quickly approaching (and my Jamaica honeymoon!!!), I have started to really focus on my legs.  For me, these muscles also get the sorest the quickest for the longest!  Here's a butt-burning leg routine that won't immobilize you for the rest of your gym week.  By no means am I saying that it's easy or sore-muscle free!  As always, make sure you stretch and warm up at the beginning....then stretch at the end.
     I've also decided to start including a song-of-the-workout with each "...in the gym" post.  This is merely meant as a suggestion and a motivation.  Music definitely motivates me to move and exercise!  My hope is that these songs will do the same for you :)  Today's song is inspired by the (somewhat annoying) fact that the sexiest legs are found on dancers (I shoulda just been a dancer...then no thunder thigh issues).  So here ya go!  Press play and get to work!

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody" Legs:

[Repeat each exercise with 3 sets of 12 repetitions]

Dumbbell squats

Dumbbell lunges (each leg)

Goblet squats

Side lunges (each side)

Dumbbell swing-throughs

Single Leg Deadlifts (each leg)

Standing calf raises

Glute kickbacks (each leg)

Glute bridges 

Side leg lifts (each side)

**song by Whitney Houston**