Baby, It's Cold Outside

Does anyone else hate when superstar singers screw around with Christmas songs? There's nothing I hate more than when I am belting out Christmas carols in an impromptu concert in my car and the Christina Aguilera feels the need to throw in 10 minutes of runs so I can't sing along. IT'S RUDE.

But seriously, it is kinda freakin' freezing out where I live right now. I've got a little over a foot of snow and I'm heading up to Canada in two days to warm up. There is something very wrong with that picture. Anyway, last week it was my week to carpool and OF COURSE I would have to head outside at the unholy hour of 8:30am to scrape off my car in preparation of loading four four-year-olds into my SUV and slip-sliding down the hill to preschool. And believe you me, I very much wanted to do so in sweatpants. But of course, I blog about fashion and whatnot, and I'm constantly terrified one of the other moms is going to be like "Heeeey! You're wearing yoga pants, you hypocrite!" And I would never live it down. So I force myself to get dressed in the morning.

Luckily, since I grew up in Canada, I am a prostar at dressing for the cold. I tend to underdress out here because I don't find it as bone-rattling as Canada winters, but I still keep warm while looking mildly fashionable. Here's some ideas for you to marinade upon as you think of me, begging my seat warmers to hurry the freak up, and then telling the kids that "freak" is not a nice word to say.

If You're Classic:

Berkley Peacoat
Old Navy Womens The Diva Embellished Trouser Jeans, $15
Forever21.com - Shoes - Casual - 2082867030, $20
dELiAs > Ramona Stone Flower Headband > accessories > jewelry > hair, $8.50
Red Leather Purses, $40

OK, I have a firm believe that EVERY woman should have a winter dress coat. I got my first pea coat when I was 17 and I fell in love. I love how classic and streamlined they look. I have three now, in black, red and cream, and honestly, they are as warm, if not warmer, than my big ugly snowmobiling parka. They felt is warm and they don't make you look fat. Need I say more? I like pairing mine with flats as long as it's not snowy, otherwise it's boots.

If You're Sporty:

Old Navy Womens Wool-Blend Bomber Jackets, $55
YMI Back Stud Womens Bootcut Jeans, $40
REPORT Wrapped Womens Boots, $34
ROXY Equinox Handbag, $50
Flat Knit Ruffle Scarf - Teen Clothing by Wet Seal, $11

If you're a little more sporty and the whole pearls and loveliness isn't really your bag in the winter, might I suggest a super cute bomber? It's super warm and I kind of love the lumberjack-esque plaid. Just girly it up with a ruffled skirt so no one mistakes you for an actual lumberjack. You should definitely invest in a pair of warm ankle boots that go on and off quickly. Wear your jeans over the top and you just see your cute, soft, warm little feet. I have a bomber with fir on the hood and it is my go-to jacket when it's blustery out. Plus, I find treats from last year in its myriad of pockets. Once I found an entire Three Musketeer bar. SCORE. ALSO! Be careful when wearing puffier jackets and a purse. Tiny purses jammed over a puffy arm looks silly. Look for big straps or a messenger style.

If You're Trendy:

Daytrip Glitz Tank Top, $27
Khaki boiled wool biker jacket, 45 GBP
Women's Skinny Jean - American Eagle Outfitters, $40
Mossimo Supply Co. Red Kamisse Boot - 9.5 : Target, $24
leather look twist handle bag, 28 GBP
ASOS Vintage Style Military Stud Earrings, $10

Now, if you're a little trendier, you should definitely own a leather jacket or something like it. Now, note that all jackets are not created equally. You've seen both my Steve Madden and my Guess jackets, and my Steve Madden is TERRIBLE in the winter because it's very thin. My Guess one is heavily lined so it's a lot warmer for the winter and I've been wearing it a lot. Sorry, Steve, but you're in the closet with spring. Pull out the knee-high boots to wear over skinny jeans for extra trendy points from moi.

So remember that cold weather is not an excuse to look like a dog sledder. Unless of course, you actually OWN a dog sled. No, I have never owned a dog sled.

Face Your Fears

Face Your Fears and Do The Thing You Think You Cannot Do!

Let's face it, when it comes to routine we do the same thing over and over because we are comfortable with it. We like knowing that our day is running smoothly, we like it when we get the same coffee through the drive thru everyday (probably with a donut, bagel or danish), we have our favourite snacks when we get stressed or angry, more often than not our comfort foods (which is almost never healthy), we like routine. It's comfortable.

When I was in Brussels this past summer we went to this very cool park. It had some of the most amazing and in my mind dangerous things for kids to do. I couldn't believe how high the climbing structures were, the slides went so high and on forever and there was never any enclosures on anything!

I watched in horror as many 4 and 5 year olds climbed to the very top of these ridiculously high rope structures. I was sticking out like a sore thumb. I was nervous and it showed. To these kids, they were having a great time at the park.

In this video, I am at the top of a ridiculously high metal slide. It feels like it goes straight down. Take a look:




Believe it or not, it really did make me nervous. It was very tall and skinny. But I did it! I really had no choice, I had a 5 year old waiting behind me, getting impatient as I sat convincing myself I shouldn't do it. And voila, after (about a few minutes) it didn't seem so bad.

You must do the things you think you cannot do. You must face your fears. If you do not, you will never change. If you are comfortable wearing a size 12, or 16 or 32, you will always wear that size. Doing something that is different is often uncomfortable and challenging.

It's this discomfort and challenge that will push and move you forward. If you are afraid of running in a race, or something non-fitness related like public speaking, you really need to get out there and conquer your fears. When you do, you will feel such a feeling of accomplishment, a feeling of pride and know that you were strong enough to do it.

A lot of people are afraid to try new things regarding their health and fitness routine. When going outside of your comfort zone, I have had many people experience things they now love and have made it part of their routine.

With nutrition, you must definitely do the thing you think you can't. This is so important when wanting good health. Everyone has the food they turn to when they need to feel good. To be healthy you need to try foods that are healthier and encourage yourself to not eat the things that you know won't take you to your goals.

So face your fears. Face the unknown. You will become stronger, you will move forward and you will probably find new things that you will love and enjoy.

Committed to your fitness success,

Kelly Parker
www.FitMomMakeover.net
www.bestfitbodybootcamp.com

How to Shop on Black Friday Without Wanting to Kill Yourself and Others

This picture makes me want to throw up a little bit. (Found here)

Well, it's no secret that I hold Black Friday shopping in high esteem. I actually go shopping all day Saturday too, so I don't discriminate days. Saturday is mall day. I just love kicking off the Christmas season by seeing what deals I can score and checking off the mile long gift list that I need to fulfill each year. This year, I've gotten started early, since I'm heading up to see my family next week. But that doesn't mean I can't get a little Black Friday love too.

I totally get those who hate Black Friday. Last year I had the worst experience OF LIFE. It was the first year that I attempted to go on my own. First of all, I did the Disney store at midnight, and the turned around and did Walmart at 4am. So I was completely sleep deprived. THEN! When at Walmart, I made nice with a girl and we promised to help each other find a certain item, and when we did there was only two left and she took both of them. THEN someone tried to pick a fight with me. If you must know anything about me, it's that I'm terrified, TERRIFIED of confrontation. By the time I got home I was near tears and swore I'd never go again.

Of course, I saw the ads already and of course I'm going to go. But this year I'm going to change a few things to make sure that I have a good experience. Well, as good as possible, seeing that I'm up and standing in frigid temps at 4am and racing through a store where for SOME REASON the dolls are in the meat section. Take my advice, and you too can learn to love Black Friday again.

1) Put some thought into your clothes. No, I don't mean you have to go out looking perfect. I mean, it's going to be cold outside, yet boiling hot inside. Dress in layers so you aren't irritable inside when it suddenly becomes 400 degrees and you're fighting with someone over the last copy of "Miss Congeniality." My favorite trick is to bring along a thick, knitted scarf. When I'm outside, it's so nice and warm, and then inside I can take it off and I feel 20 degrees cooler without having to take off my coat and shlepp it around in the cart. Also, I live in a very small community, and there's a good chance that's I'll see neighbors out and about. So the nasty drawstring, elasticized sweatpants stay at home. In fact, I usually shop in yoga pants and a zip hoodie. And maybe some mascara, but I'm vain like that.

2) Go with someone else. It is a jungle out there, and one thing I learned from last year is that a very small, 120 white girl is an easy target. One of the best things about my husband is that he generally looks pretty ticked off most of the time. I can't tell you how many times a friend has met him and asked me later "Does he hate me?" He might, but honestly, he just looks annoyed. It's his brow bone. Anyway, he's great to come with because no one ever bugs me when they get a look at my bodyguard, Monsieur Angryface. If your hubby won't come, get a pack of girlfriends and stick together, divvy up the stuff you want so you're not dashing around the store.

3) Make a plan. If there's something that you must have, make sure that takes top priority. DVDS, clothes and other items that would just be nice to have can wait. Seriously, don't get up at 4am for cheap slippers. I go through the ads the night before, and label what I want from each store and the price. THEN I number it according to priority. That way, I know what I'm going for at each store, and the price that it shoud be before I get up to the checkout.

4) Eat something. I feel like crap at 4am, so I always forgo eating on my way out the door. By 6am my stomach is growling and I'm irritable and annoyed with everyone and everything. Even if you don't feel like eating, grab a cereal bar or a bag of almonds on the way out. You can snag some food on the run without having to stop, and you'll feel better until you can go for a McDonald's run (oh please, you know you do it.)

5) Remember why you're doing all of this. You want to get gifts for your family and friends to celebrate Christmas. Prepare yourself. You know it's going to a madhouse, and some creepy 60 year old lady with curlers in her hair will undoubtedly try and butt in line. Let's try to keep some of that Christmas spirit. Actually, my sweet brother in law Shane taught me this. We were shopping during my first Black Friday experience, and some lady started yelling at me for something or other, and Shane stepped up and told the lady to go ahead and wished her a Merry Christmas. It taught me that sometimes, it's better to kill 'em with kindness. Keep your head, even if everyone else is acting like they're getting the last known HDTV ever made.

Finally, my last tip is to keep your Black Friday early morning foray short. My husband and I like to go out early (while Grandma and Grandpa watch the kids), come home in time for breakfast, and then we head out as a family to look for stuff that wasn't super important. The rest of the day gets treated like the holiday it is, while I gloat over my bagfuls of purchases hidden in the guest room.

Happy shopping guys!

Are You Supported Properly?

Have you ever done a workout without the proper support? I once went to our boot camp and forgot my good sports bra—as soon as we started doing jacks and any running I literally had to hold my boobs in place!

A good sports bra will make all the difference. You can get in a better work out and feel pain free. Lets take a look at a few:

This is a light support bra with skinny straps. Great for wearing around everyday or when you are maybe going for a walk.

This is a medium support with a thicker back. Great for when you are getting into more intense workouts, running, interval training/circuit training.





This is a full support bra made for high intensity.

This bra has underwire and is also individually cupped.

This bra is a seamless bra with thicker straps

When it comes down to which bra is best for you, you will need to do a couple of things. First, what kind of activity will you be doing? If you are just walking then you can possibly avoid the extra cost of a full support. If you are going to be running and bouncing then it might be a good idea to go for the extra support. If you are still nursing, I would definitely go with a full extra support.

I tend to like the extra support with thicker straps myself. But the key will be to go and try a bunch on. See which one feels better, then ask yourself if it matches the activity you will be doing.

When you invest in a good sports bra, you will love your exercise sessions even more!

Happy Shopping!

Committed to your fitness success,

Kelly Parker

www.bestfitbodybootcamp.com

Freaky Friday

Yay Friday! I got my four year old daughter a new Melissa and Doug Chore Chart and I SWEAR it has magical powers. Something about putting those little buttons on the squares inspires her to be a baby angel. I have strategically placed all of the placards that have to do with cleaning on the chart, so my house is spotless now. But, I did promise that if she got all of her buttons for an entire week, I would take her to the dinosaur museum. I didn't realize how vigilantly she would clean my house, so I'd better come through. So, this had better be fast.


This is like, the fashion equivalent of getting toilet paper stuck in your shoe.


Not only is this shirt awful, but I have to question the style judgment of whoever put this outfit together. Like yes, we have a weird fringe shirt..... denim cutoffs! Who's mind goes to that place?


Do models ever just want to kill themselves? I wonder if this girl came to work knowing she would be subjected to camel toe, a sheer shirt AND a jedi-like robe all at once. THE HUMANITY!


I actually missed the Victoria's Secret fashion show this year... but is it suddenly OK to associate your body with something commonly known as a "pigskin?"


Ohhh yeah. Droopy bum jumpsuits forever! Also, the front of this has a contrast drawstring that makes this outfit look curiously like scrubs. I've been around the hospital too much.


Would you believe it if I told you that this shirt was SOLD OUT on the Home Shopping Network?

Of course you would.

Actually, I have a sick, sick fascination with shopping channels. I love to watch and see what they're hocking and trying to make cool. "Turkeys are just hot this year!"


When I saw these boots, I thought of an old timey western, where a cowboy pointed his gun at the other and said "NOW DANCE!" Apparently, this cowboy was not that great of a dancer.


ALRIGHT! This Snuggie thing has gone FAR ENOUGH. They are taking over the Universe!

(Thanks Charity!)

Well, I'm off to be an exemplary mom. The kind of exemplary mom who makes her small daughter load the dishwasher.

Having kids is awesome.

An Attitude of Gratitude

So, even though I'm Canadian and Thanksgiving was last month, we didn't get to celebrate it because it was crazy busy in these parts and so I resolved to celebrate extra hard for American Thanksgiving. Also, a couple nights ago I badgered my mom into having a pseudo Christmas dinner when I'm back home in a couple of weeks, so the turkey ratio totally checks out! YES!

Anyway, I thought I'd talk about some of the things that I'm thankful for. I am aware that Thanksgiving is next week, but next week we'll talk outfits and then I'll be all preoccupied for Black Friday, so today is better.

Just so you know, I AM grateful for friends, family, my house, blah blah blah. But I am also thankful for shiny and pretty things, which is what this post is dedicated to. Ah, shopping!

Without further ado:

Jae's List of Pretty Things She's Thankful For

I'm thankful for: Leather jackets. I think, by now, we understand that they are my weakness, yes? This one from Debenham's is well-cut and the brown is gorgeous. Really. I must have. Add it to the collection.


Pretty bags that are large enough to get my wallet, lip balms, wipes case, spare diaper, two pairs of sunglasses plus one pair of regular glasses, roughly 1,233 receipts and various gift cards, a book and my Nintendo DS without having to say "Petunia Picklebottom" on it. How about Vitalio Vera instead?

Pretty, ruffled scarves that match anything and pretty up even my furry cargo parka. Plus, with a little v-neck sweater? Die of cuteness overload. (Lori's Shoes)


Uber prim-looking headbands work with messy second-day hair. So easy! (Tilly's)


Peacock anything. I have this exact necklace from Forever 21, and I love to wear it with a white tunic, skinny jeans and my Fryes. Accesories? DONE. K, now I actually want to wear it today.


PENCIL SKIRTS! I have been coveting this one from Arden B for a month now. I just sent it to my husband for my Christmas list. But in general, there is nothing I like more than a vintage, ladylike silhouette. Hips do not lie. At least that's what Shakira told me, and she's pretty dependable in general.


Trench coats match anything. It's a fact. And this one is only $23 from Tilly's and I love army green. I think it comes in black and cream too. Either way, it's the perfect topper for anything; dress, skirt, jeans, you name it. Look for one that grazes the hips.


Bows and pearls. I've purchased three sets of bow earrings and pearl earrings and I love how sophisticated they look, even when I'm just wearing them with a tank top and cardigan. Adorable! (Betsey Johnson, who I don't usually like... but I like these!)


Tights. I so very much love winter and how awesome tights are with winter. These ones with the bows? Squee! (ModCloth... I also featured them last week.)

Soft, slouchy boots and the banishment of heels until springtime. I love boots because they look dressy even when you're shlubbing it in jeans and a sweater. It's so easy to look put together with expensive-looking boots (BTW, these ones are under $50 from Wild Diva)

I am loving the transition to winter! I'll confess, I listened to Christmas music one evening while it was snowing, but I have since reined myself in. Now I plan to start Christmas prep on Saturday. Sorry, Thanksgiving, but you're too late in the year and I'm having pretend Christmas the first week of December.

Anybody else want to chime in on something you're thankful for?

10 Minute Workout

OK, you have all heard of the 20 minute Workout that was a big hit in the 80's right? Maybe not. If you are not in your mid to late 30's you may have no idea what I'm talking about. Well I was pretty young when it came out, but I do remember the craze that it brought.

Full piece body suits with leg warmers. It still makes me laugh. But the concept was brilliant. Do your exercise in 20 minutes. Now I don't want to ever see anyone doing a leg lift on your side or swinging your arms across your body, but what I am going to do is give you a workout that burns calories, is more effective and can be done in only 10-20 minutes!!

First, you want to do a quick warm up, depending on where you are, you can go up and down your stairs, or walk around the park or down your street. This is a really simple, yet totally effective workout, that you can actually keep repeating until you've had enough. Do it for at least 10 minutes if you can.

Once you have warmed up, you are going to complete 3 sets of exercises with a run in between each one. It looks like this:

Block 1:
10 push ups-on your knees or toes
10 squats
10 jumping jacks
Run as fast as you can for about 80 feet (about the length of a public swimming pool) and then back.

When you get back go right into your next block which is:

Block 2:
10 Mountain Climbers-go down into a push up position as if you were doing them on your toes. Bring in one knee at a time to your chest. Now hop them in and out as if you were running.
10 Star Jacks-Again, stay on your hands and toes. Take your feet and at the same time hop them both out so your legs are apart, now hop them back together again. Speed that up and do 10 of them.
10 Crunches
Run as fast as you can

Block 3:
10 twists- Go on your hands and toes keeping your bum down. Rotate and lift one arm up towards the ceiling looking up at your hand as you do that. Switch sides. Keep rotating until you have completed 10. You can also do this on your knees if you need to.
10 lunges-alternate them
10 bicycles-lie on your back and extend your legs out one at a time. Now take your hands and put them to your ears and twist to touch your elbow to the opposite knee always rotating with the legs.
Run as fast as you can.

Repeat this 2-4 times.

You will not only get a get total body workout, you will get in your cardio and burn tons of calories.

Committed to your fitness success,

Kelly Parker
www.bestfitbodybootcamp.com