Bikini Bod Boot Camp, Lazy Girl Style

Image source ITrecruiterDC.com

The time has come, ladies and gents, to put away those fuzzy sweats and squeeze into the cheeky bathing suit bottoms you’ve been hiding away for months. A scary thought, I know.

With that comes the time to slim and firm the parts of your bod that haven’t seen daylight in a while. Another scary thought.

I’d like to say the change in seasons means I’ll be hitting the gym harder than ever, but in reality, my three-days-a-week spin routine is probably going to continue the way it is at best. That said, I’m instilling a new routine to get this little bod into tip-top shape for the beach. Follow my newfound regime to laze your way to Victoria’s Secret status in no time.

1. Stop eating free cupcakes (and the like). When you work a couple blocks from Georgetown Cupcake, it’s easy to turn the free, super-secret cupcake of the day into an everyday occurrence. Time to take a momentary hiatus from the daily cupcake party.

2. Walk places. Nice weather = walking weather. The trek from North Station to Copley Square is a cakewalk with the right footwear.

3. Take the stairs. Sorry, peeps. Elevator’s off limits until August.

4. Drink vino, not beer. What?! mm/c client/friend/resident wine queen Liz Vilardi once told me that the secret to lookin’ great whilst dining on pork belly, rabbit rillette and fromage from Belly’s “butter” category is washing it all down with lots of acidic vino. That science makes sense to me! I am not going to argue that point.

5. Commercial breaks = sit up breaks. Said it. I’ve been known to get my crunch on in between American Idol performances.

6. Get up at lunch. I’ve made a vow to get my butt outta this chair at lunch time, even if it’s just to walk around the block, and I suggest that all you loyal m.blog readers do the same. Plus once in a blue moon I’m lucky enough to run into this talented guy.

7. Workplace exercises are not off-limits. Don’t worry, Marlo. We won’t be whipping out the running shoes for midday sprints, but someone at mm/c (cough cough, Maya), has taught me that lunging to and from the bathroom makes for toned thighs and a good giggle.

See? Easy as pie (although pie should probably be in the free cupcake category). See you on the beach, white wine in-hand, fellow fitness buffs!

Posted by Mary

‘Tis the Season to Be Cozy

Fah lah lah lah lah, lah lah lah laaaah!

Alright, all annoying holiday merriment aside, there are few things better during this bitterly cold time of year than holing up on the couch with a blanket, some variation of hot drink (mulled cider, anyone?), and your coziest of cozy pajamas. Yes, that is my ideal weekend routine, and no, I’m not 75 years old.

To help all you m.blog readers get your snuggle on like I do, I’ve pulled together some of the cuddliest lounging duds available. My reco: use some of the cash you get back after returning all of the random stuff you found under the tree to stock up on these necessities; all you’ll need is a cocktail or two and a cheesy Christmas flick to get your wild and crazy NYE weekend going!

The Basics

Image source Victoria’s Secret

These Fireside Long Janes from Victoria’s Secret are right up my alley when it comes to classic PJs that aren’t too bulky. There’s something awesomely Christmas Story about them, but they’re still cute enough to save you from embarrassment. The only down side: coming to terms with the fact that no one will ever look as smokin’ hot as Miranda Kerr with them on.

The Outerwear

Image source Nordstrom

A great robe is essential. This Kensie Hooded Fleece bathrobe by Nordstrom has pockets (Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Yep, you could carry snacks in there!), a hood (in case you have to venture outside) and lots of warm and fuzzy fabric for comfy dozing.

The Footwear

Image source Toast

What better way to stay toasty than these Hand-Knitted Slipper Socks by Toast? They’re super cute, fleece-lined, and have a knitted sole for comfort. Caution: knitted soles = high risk of slipping on hard wood floors. You’ve been warned.

The Cutesy Alternative

Image source J.Crew

Realistically, the layered look doesn’t always fly in the sack or on the couch. For the days when you’re getting cuddly with a plus one, J.Crew’s Flannel Striped Nightshirts make a more attractive and equally cozy (if you have a blanket) alternative.

That said, after giving this round-up another read through, I reluctantly take back my earlier comment. I may not be 75 in real life (22, I swear!), but I’m definitely pushing 60 at heart.

Posted by Mary

Your Hooters Now Hide Things

I’m a big fan of cool bags — from the oversized purse to the itty bitty clutch — but there are a few occasions where carrying something around just doesn’t work for me (think crowded bar, festival, etc.). Since I’m pretty sure we can all agree that the fanny pack only has a place on the expanding waistlines of overweight tourists, the JoeyBra serves to be the next best thing.

Developed by seriously savvy sorority sisters whose social Greek life often had them on the go, University of Washington juniors Mariah Gentry and Kyle Bartlow came up with a solution to this little dilemma. No longer must women worry about hitting the dance floor while their bags wait in the corner waiting to be stolen. Thanks to this combo bra/carrier, named after a baby kangaroo, natch, ladies go hands-free while their phones, keys, lip gloss sit comfortably in a mesh pouch on its side.

At just $19.99, this is a steal, especially considering the popular Victoria’s Secret robs charges customers $48-$78 for a bra…and I don’t see those rocking a hidden pocket. Only problem? Busty babes may have to wait. The JoeyBra doesn’t offer sizes for most C- or any D-cups.

File this one under: Houdini hooters.

Posted by Haley

Image source JoeyBra via Huffington Post

A Mission to Make More Women Feel Beautiful

Image source Dove via laramulady.com

Who doesn’t want to feel more beautiful?! According to a recent study by Dove, only 4% of women think they’re actually beautiful… Come on ladies, we need to feel better than that about ourselves! Luckily, there is a company like Dove, who has made it their mission to change women’s perceptions AND offer a big FU to Victoria’s Secret at the same time!

We all remember the Campaign for Real Beauty they launched in 2004; now they’ve created a new Ad Makeover campaign that they recently launched in the UK. You know all those awful ads on the side of your Facebook that yell, “Hey thunder-thighs” or “Click here to get rid of that muffin top?” Well, Dove (along with the rest of us) has had it with those. With the Facebook application you can get rid of those negative ads and put in feel-good ads like the one above; think ads that make you smile or feel just a little bit better about your own beauty. My favorite of the ad replacement options is: “Think of your cups as half full.”

With all the negative ads about our bodies, Dove’s approach is refreshing and appreciated. Bring on the positive self-esteem, am I right or am I right?! Dove needs to get this app to the US and fast!

Posted by Dorothy

Weapons of Mass Seduction

We’ve all seen the seductive, can’t-take-your-eyes-off commercials featuring the bodaciously buxom models of Victoria’s Secret. And, by now, you must have all seen the ads for the new bombshell bra that launched a couple of months back.  I’ll admit that, as a small-chested girl, I was instantly intrigued by the promises of extreme…growth. Last week I finally gave in and succumbed to the lure of experiencing just a hint of this thing I had always heard my girlfriends speak of…cleavage.

First things first, this bra isn’t a bra. It’s two strategically-placed, firm pillows that you strap on to your chest. That said, I’m happy to say that I can forget about that surgical consultation appointment I’ve dreamt of since puberty passed me by, and instead create my own temporary hourglass. Talk about bombshell…hellloooo weapons of mass seduction! That promise of the instantaneous two cup size enhancement is a sure thing. And cleavage? Check, check check! But warning, be weary of giving out hugs for fear of a scene similar to that of Amy Poehler’s mom character in Mean Girls.

So for now forget about the scalpel and instead just go out to your nearest Vicky’s and choose your colored (or leopard or zebra or lace) weapon of choice to create your very own set of bombshells!

Posted by Shaina