Get Personal with Kiehls for Picture Perfect Skin

Hi lovelies,

As a blogger and actor, I always have to be camera-ready and my secret for nailing a picture perfect photo every time is trusting my skin to Kiehl's.

Luckily for me, Kiehl's is launching a new and innovative way to treat, prevent, and care for your skin on a personalized basis and I got a sneak peek at their Santa Monica store last week. 

You can leave how hydrated your skin is and depending on your skincare needs and goals, you can receive a customized skincare solution catered 

Get the Kiehl's skincare scoop below:

KIEHL’S GETS PERSONAL WITH SKINCARE MADE JUST FOR YOU

Introducing a range of tailor-made serums that give your skin exactly what it needs

Inspired by 165 years of apothecary expertise, Kiehl’s Since 1851 proudly offers Apothecary Preparations, truly personalized skincare featuring potent concentrates that address an individual’s unique skin concerns. The personalized, in-store-only service launches nationwide in select Kiehl’s stores in October. 

This new innovation is amongst the first in the skincare industry to bring bespoke skincare to the masses. This industry achievement is comprised of Kiehl’s Skin Strengthening Concentrate, plus two, individually selected Targeted Complexes.

These pharmaceutical meets herbal concentrates feature a blend of advanced ingredients and are specifically selected for each customer’s skin. Through an elevated consultation and diagnosis, customers are able to craft a personalized formula based on their two most significant skin concerns. Options include: redness, wrinkles, rough texture, large pores and dullness. 

Once the Targeted Complexes have been selected and the consultation is complete, the Apothecary Preparation’s components are enclosed in a personalized box for the customer, who then mixes them at home prior to first application. The result is a highly potent, tailor-made skincare treatment.

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to go back to our apothecary roots with the introduction of Apothecary Preparations,” shares Chris Salgardo, Kiehl’s US President. “We’ve always been committed to a high level of customer service, but with Apothecary Preparations, we can elevate that experience even more by giving customers a deeper understanding of their unique skin concerns and needs while delivering a completely personalized facial concentrate they can activate themselves.” 

HOW IT WORKS

Step 1: Diagnosis
With the use of a dermatologist-inspired Skin Atlas, customers are guided by the KCR to assess and rank the severity of their skin concerns. The result of this consultation informs the KCR’s selection of the two essential Targeted Complexes that will comprise the customer’s unique formula.

“Over the years we’ve encountered countless women and men who are searching for the most efficacious solution for their unique skincare needs,” shared Cammie Cannella, VP of Global Education, who developed the Apothecary Preparations consultation. “Through our research, including skincare consultations with millions of customers over the years, we’ve determined that addressing an individual’s top two concerns with one uniquely targeted and potent serum will provide the most effective, personalized skincare solution possible, thereby meeting the needs of even our most discerning customers.”

Step 2: Personalization
Following the consultation, two skin-specific Targeted Complexes are selected to accompany Kiehl’s Skin Strengthening Concentrate. Each customer’s personalized box includes her name, details of her personal formula and directions for use. After activating the concentrate at home, Kiehl’s Apothecary Preparations should be applied as instructed after cleansing and before a moisturizer. 

Squalane: A signature Kiehl’s ingredient, Squalane is a botanical lipid derived from the Olive fruit that is highly compatible with the naturals oils present in skin. Within the formula, the Squalane present at a 35% level is approximately 13 times higher than its natural level found in sebum. This ingredient is used for its protecting capacity on skin’s barrier as well as for its safety and stability profile. Squalane has emollient characteristics as well, coating the surface of the skin and helping it maintain moisture1,2,3. It also has an essential ability to soften and smooth skin without irritation and is free of greasy residues.

Skin Lipid Complex: Also included in Kiehl’s Skin-Strengthening Concentrate is the complementary Skin Lipid Complex, containing a blend of botanical oils (including apricot, coriander, black currant, and echium oils) that are rich in unsaturated fatty acids to offer essential emolliency, skin replenishment and hydration. This highly efficacious concentrate ensures that skin is stronger and more resistant to damage.

“Kiehl’s provided a product sample for review purposes.” 

Hair Detox: Get camera-ready with Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo

Hi lovelies,

Last week, I was fortunate enough to book a really fun digital short for Buzzfeed! I'm always super excited for the opportunity to be on-set and do what I love. But my secret guilty pleasure while being on-set is getting pampered in the hair and make-up chair while getting into the groove of creating my character.

Thus, my anti-residue moment is getting my hair picture perfect for the camera. This means that I need to show up with fresh skin and super clean hair so that the make-up artist and hair stylist can achieve the necessary looks with effortless ease.

For my face, I love to cleanse my skin with a gentle cocoa butter facial wash, then I exfoliate with a natural face scrub, and then I moisture with coconut and jojoba oil. This nightly routine leaves my skin feeling fresh, smooth, clean, and clear and ready for my close-up during filming.

For my hair, I turn to Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo to eliminate build-up from throughout the week. I just started working with a personal trainer, so sometimes my daily shampoo doesn't get all of the sweat out, but when I detox my hair on a weekly basis with Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo, it really eliminates all of the sweat that builds up from my intense workouts. After my hair detox when I switch back to my daily shampoo, I find that it works even better at cleansing my locks.

My anti-residue moment: Getting my hair camera-ready.

I also get build-up from dry shampoo that we use on-set to make sure that my hair isn't too shiny on-camera. Additionally, I use dry shampoo from time-to-time to keep my hair looking and smelling fresh in-between washes. When this happens, I use Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo to remove the dry shampoo build-up, so when I arrive on-set, there's nothing weighing my hair done or making it look flat.

After detoxing my hair with Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo, which instantly removes up to 90% of dulling remnants left behind from styling products, shampoos, and conditioners, my hair feels weightless, fresh, and clean. What I love most is that my hair feels smooth without any oily residue and I can just blow-dry it and go without any hassle. This is super important to me because it saves time when I'm in the hair and make-up chair and it lets the stylist create different hairstyles without the worry of my hair going flat or dull.

Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo is made with a super mild formula so it never irritates my skin or scalp and is safe for all hair types, even if it's color-treated. It cleans my hair completely and washes away easily without leaving any residue behind. You can grab yours for just $6.49 at Neutrogena.com.

WIN A FREE BOTTLE OF Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo

Just detoxed my hair with Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo!

But for one lucky winner, you get your very own bottle of Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo by entering to win my giveaway!

How to enter:

• Simply share a photo on Instagram or Twitter about a moment when you need a hair detox, i.e. an up do hairstyle with lots of hairspray, beach vacation, exercising, or getting messy with the kids.

• Example Entry:"After a summer of Traveling, my hair is need of a serious detox! My Anti-Residue Moment: (Tower of London) @Neutrogena”

• Tag @candywashington and @Neutrogena

• Include the hashtag #ByeBuildUp

• Don't forget to visit and follow:

  • Twitter:@Neutrogena

  • Instagram: @Neutrogena

  • YouTube: Neutrogena

  • Facebook: @Neutrogena

“This post was sponsored by Neutrogena as part of an Influencer Activation for SheSpeaks. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions (FTC) guidelines concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.”

#GoodbyeSugar30: My sweet sugar-free month with Splenda

Hi lovelies,

Just because my name is Candy, that doesn't mean I like to add extra sugar to everything, which is just one of the reasons why I signed up for the #GoodbyeSugar30 Challenge hosted by SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener.

However, all jokes aside, I wanted to share with you all why I'm so excited about committing to this awesome challenge. I've decided to kick taking better care of myself from the inside out into high gear and 30 days of saying goodbye to sugar will help me do just that.

During the challenge, I'll be replacing my usual sugar and sweeteners for SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener to eliminate consuming unnecessary calories and added sugars, but without compromising flavor and taste. A huge step for me will be taking inventory of what's already in my fridge and cabinets to see where I could swap out foods and beverages that contain certain added sugars that might not be the healthiest for me and opt to add in SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener instead.

On a personal note, I've been running 4-5 times a week and meditating everyday, so I want to make sure that I'm not sabotaging my other healthy lifestyle choices by consuming unnecessary and unnatural sugars, thus by making the lifestyle change to SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener is the perfect way to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle and keep a perfect balance between mind and body.

But I also have to admit that there's another reason why I'm excited for the challenge. I love my morning cup of coffee, it's a daily ritual of mine that kick-starts my day and I was worried about compromising the taste of my morning cup of Joe, which I always take with sugar and cream. But luckily for me, SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener has a naturally sweet flavor without the usual bitter aftertaste of other stevia sweeteners, which means I can successfully make this healthy switch and complete the #GoodbyeSugar30 Challenge without losing the comfort of my favorite morning ritual.

And based on my love for my morning cup of coffee, I'm super excited to try the Homemade Chai recipe with SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener as a healthy way to shake up my morning routine.

Check it out the Homemade Chai recipe below and let me know what you think.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 slices peeled fresh ginger
• 3 packets SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener
• 12 black peppercorns
• 3 whole cloves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 (3 inch) cinnamon stick
• 2 cups water
• 2 Darjeeling tea bags
• 1/2 cup 2% reduced-fat milk

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine ginger, SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener, black peppercorns, whole cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add teabags, cover and steep for 5 minutes. Remove spices and tea bags with a slotted spoon and discard.

2. Add milk and cook over medium heat until thoroughly heated. Do not boil. Serve immediately.

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The official details on the #GoodbyeSugar30 Challenge:

#GoodbyeSugar30 Challenge Details:
Americans are starting to realize just how much sugar is in our diets! But not all sugar is created equal. Some sugar is naturally occurring in foods like fruits and milk. But then there’s sugar that is added to foods and beverages for taste. Sometimes sugar is added to foods that already have naturally occurring sugars, like yogurt. Some added sugars are in obvious places- we know that there is sugar in drinks like lemonade, in candy, baked goods, and other treats. But there are often sugars added to foods you would never think of – like salad dressing and savory sauces. Want to reduce the added sugars and calories in your day without sacrificing taste? SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener can help!

What is the Goodbye Sugar 30 Day Challenge?
SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener is challenging you to spot the places in your diet where sugar is added, and identify the occasions where you can easily swap out the added sugar and the calories with the delicious new SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener. The goal of this 30 day challenge is to give you the tools to make small changes in your lifestyle that can help you reduce added sugars and calories, without sacrificing taste.

So if you're like me, and your goal is to create a healthy life from the inside out while finding a balance between creating a healthy mind and body, then you should join us during the #GoodbyeSugar30 Challenge, and sign-up here. You can pick up the SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener at any retail store and they come in convenient 40 or 80 count boxes.

For more information, visit SplendaNaturals.com.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Blue Light It: Positively Clear 3-Step Acne Skincare Solution by Tria

Hi lovelies,

This past week I had the pleasure of trying out the new Positively Clear 3-Step Acne Skincare Solution by Tria and I have to admit that I'm hooked.

Based on new blue light technology, the system lets you get dermatologist quality skincare treatment right at home without any harsh or unwanted side effects.

What's even more impressive about the acne-fighting skincare treatment is that 100% of users saw fewer breakouts within just 8 weeks of use. 

You can grab yours here for just $149 (a $229 value). Plus, you can get your treatment refills every 60 days for just $39, making keeping your skin clean and clear as simple and easy as ever. 

How to use Positively Clear 3-Step Acne Skincare Solution by Tria

Step 1: Cleanse

Cleanse your skin with Positively Clear Foam Cleanser to mop up oil, dirt, makeup and other impurities that may block the blue light. 

Step 2: Treat

Here comes the fun part: Glide the Positively Clear Acne Clearing Blue Light over the area you want to treat for just 5 minutes daily. Show love to your entire face or just concentrate on breakout-prone zones. 

Step 3: Target

Hit those troublesome areas with Positively Clear Spot Treatment, expertly formulated to complement the use of the blue light and improve overall radiance.

Versailles: Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer

Hi lovelies,

Fall, which is my favorite time of the year, is officially upon us and this means it's time to break out the sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and play in the leaves. It also means that it's time to curl up on the couch and enjoy all of the new Fall television shows. One of the number one shows that everyone is talking about is Versailles on Ovation TV.

If you love a period piece like me, from Downton Abbey, Reign, to the Tudors, then Versailles is a must-add to your DVR list. Set in Europe during the 16 and 1700's, the highly buzzed about show explores King Louis XIV's reign in France and how he earned the monikers of Louis the Great and The Sun King.

Another reason to tune in is to see how Louis the Great navigates all of the drama inside and out of his precious palace walls. He's known to keep friends close and his enemies even closer, but in world full of decadence and deceit, it's hard to tell which one is which. He has a recluse Queen, a flamboyant brother, and an irresistible mistress, and that's just the tip of the ice berg of the plot's twists and turns.

Beyond the royal drama, sibling rivalries, and romantic trysts, I'll be watching Versailles religiously for the amazing style and wardrobe of the ladies of the palace. From corsets, bonnets, ball gowns, and jewels. The fashion of the

The premiere of Versailles is on Ovation TV at Saturday, October 1pm 10pm et/pt and I'll be live-tweeting using #Versailles and @OvationTV, be sure to join us live for your chance to win a $25 AmericanExpress card.

MEET THE CAST CHARACTERS:

KING LOUIS XIV
THE SUN KING
“The 28-year-old King of France travels to Versailles after the Fronde revolt, in order to build the world’s most opulent palace.”

PHILIPPE
LOUIS’ BROTHER
“Louis’ younger brother Philippe is a free spirit, an effeminate dandy and ferocious warrior.”

HENRIETTE
PHILIPPE’S SPOUSE
“Sister of King Charles II of England, Henriette is the wife of Philippe and the mistress of King Louis.”

MARIE-THÉRÈSE
THE QUEEN
“Originally from Spain, the Queen is an isolated character, using what others mistake for ignorance to hide her most intimate secrets.”

CHEVALIER
PHILIPPE’S LOVER
“Chevalier, Philippe’s male lover. Handsome as he is toxic. Petty and manipulative, he is the perfect conspirator.”

BONTEMPS
LOUIS’ FIRST VALET
“The warm and friendly valet of Versailles. A rich man who sleeps each night at the foot of his master’s bed.”

FABIEN
CHIEF OF LOUIS’ POLICE FORCE
"The leader of King Louis’ Stasi-like police force. Fabien is terrifying, and his chilling eyes catch everything.

MADAME DE MONTESPAN
THE COURT’S FEMME FATALE
“Madame de Montespan is witty, graceful and probably the most ambitious woman at the court of Versailles.”

BÉATRICE
CHEVALIER’S COUSIN
“Widow who schemes to get closer to her distant cousin, Chevalier, Béatrice is a secretive and manipulative woman.”

QUEEN ANNE OF AUSTRIA
THE QUEEN
“Though deceased, Anne of Austria lives on in Louis’ memories. It’s like having Machiavelli on his shoulder.”

“At 28, King Louis XIV of France commissions Versailles, the most beautiful palace in Europe, which serves was the King’s gilded prison – keeping his friends close and enemies closer. Enter a world of untold wealth, power, and passion. Where love and lust are just a heartbeat away from deceit and betrayal.”

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About Ovation
Ovation is an independent television and digital media company dedicated to celebrating and supporting all forms of arts and culture. Ovation TV, selectively curates and airs arts-related series, specials, documentaries and films. We also offer viewers an exciting lineup of Ovation original productions.

Ovation TV is available to nearly 50M subscribers via cable, satellite and telco systems, including Comcast Cable/Xfinity, DIRECTV, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS, AT&T U-verse, Charter Communications, Bright House Networks, and many other smaller providers and is offered in both standard and high definition, as well as on VOD.

Ovation champions artists through Ovation Digital Arts, a unique artist community dedicated to supporting and helping talented YouTube creators grow their brands and businesses.

Through The Ovation Foundation, the company is committed to advocating for the arts, nationally and locally, and has provided more than $15M in contributions and in kind support to arts institutions and arts education. You can follow Ovation on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and OvationTV.com.

Must-Have for Fall: Be Playful and Carefree with Playtex® Sport®

Hi lovelies,

Even though it’s officially Fall and the super sunny days of Summer of playing beach volleyball and going for long runs outside are dwindling down, that doesn’t mean that our lifestyles are any less active and playful.

As the cooler weather sets in, I like to swap out my outside bike rides for indoor spin class and my yoga in the park classes for pilates at the gym. Luckily for me, no matter the season, or how I’m feeling at any particular time of the month, I have Playtex® Sport® Liners and Pads to keep me confident, prepared, and secure so I can focus on perfecting my downward dog without worry.

Also for Fall, I’m super excited about joining a “Beyoncé Dance Class,” where a bunch of us girls, who are all non-professional dancers, are going to get together and learn the awesome dance moves of Queen Bey. This means that I’ll be relying on my trusted Playtex® Sport® Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings because they always allow me to twist and turn my body with effortless ease. I’ll be able to move and groove to the beats with added comfort thanks its FlexFit® design that gives me the freedom to move my body with confidence and its ultra-soft cover provides even more security.

Another way I love staying active and fit during the Fall months is by bundling up and going for a long hikes and I’m always sure to use Playtex® Sport® Shape Panty Liners because they are thin and super absorbent so I can hike for as long as I want without any discomfort or worry.

So if you’re like me, and you love being active, playful, and carefree, regardless of the season or the time of the month, then definitely try out Playtex® Sport® Liners, Pads and Combo Packs. And just because I think you’re awesome and deserve to feel prepared, confident, and protected, you can grab some FREE samples here.  

You can also pick up some Playtex® Sport® Liners, Pads and Combo Packs at your local mass grocery and drug retailer. As an added bonus, each panty liner and pad are individually wrapped, so I love to grab a handful and throw them in my beauty bag and my gym bag, so I’m always covered and prepared if any unexpected surprises should arise.

Plus, the Combo Packs are uniquely designed for dual-form users, like me, and in one convenient pack, you get two varieties of Sport Level Protection®. Don’t forget to check them out on Facebook too.

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Watch the Playtex® Sport Ready, Set, Play On! Video Series:

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Check out these awesome facts from the Playtex® Sport® Survey:

• Based on the survey results of 500 U.S.-based women from the ages of 13 to 24.
  
  
   
•  64% of young women admit to frequently feeling “period shame” – meaning they feel less confident or embarrassed in certain situations because they’re on their period.
  
  
   
•  75% of young women admit they frequently decide not to play a sport or exercise specifically because they’re on their period.
  
  
   
• 48% of young women have used toilet paper (not a recommended use) as a makeshift pad or liner during a sport or exercise activity.

*Although this is a sponsored blog post by Playtex® Sport® as part of an Influencer Activation by Blog Meets Brands, all opinions are my own.

Beauty secrets revealed: NYFW and Award Season Edition

Hi lovelies,

From New York to LA, fashion week and award season are both in full swing. This means that I have to make sure my beauty regimen is on point. Whether it’s keeping my eyebrows on fleek, my cheeks perfectly flushed, my contour blended to a tee, or my personal confidence at an all-time high, I can’t leave my house without my beauty secret weapon. After all, confidence and true beauty radiates from the inside out.

Since I love giving you all a behind-the-scenes sneak peek inside my life, I wanted to be super transparent and get personal and real for a moment. So let’s face it, we all have to take care of our little bums from time-to-time, and I’m here to share with you how I do it.

Plus, with all of the skinny lattes, double espressos, sugar-free Red Bulls, and Suja juices, that keep us fashionistas, bloggers, and social media influencers on top of our game, taking care of our little bums becomes even more important, and frequent, during this busy fashion and award season, which is why I use Cottonelle® with CleanRipple® Texture as my ultimate beauty secret weapon.

Check out below for the scoop on how I stay so fresh and so clean during New York Fashion Week and award season.

BEAUTY SECRETS REVEALED:

Stay clean and confident with Cottonelle® Flushable Cleansing Cloths with CleanRipple® Texture

Every fashionista needs a secret weapon that keeps her feeling clean and confident all day long. For me, that’s Cottonelle® with CleanRipple® Texture, it keeps me clean so that I feel confident enough to strut my stuff, whether down the runway, the red carpet, or the city streets, without any hesitation.

I also love taking fashion risks, especially on the red carpet and during fashion week, so I like to experiment with different fabrics, lengths, and styles, which means that my undergarments or sometimes lack thereof (can I get a #girlboss for going commando?), sometimes needs to be very minimal and because it’s designed to clean better, I rely on my Cottonelle® Flushable Cleansing Cloths with CleanRipple® Texture to keep me confident no matter what I am, or am not, wearing.

Luckily for me, Cottonelle® knows it takes a bold confidence to go commando, but once you’ve got it – it makes all the difference.  

I also have a super cute case that I keep them that lets me travel with them from show-to-show and from event-to-event, so I never have to worry about feeling less than my best.

Be sure to comment below or find us on Twitter @Cottonelle and @CandyWashington with what’s in your beauty bag and any questions you may have.

And don’t forget to be brave and go commando! 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Interview: Jamie Kaler of America: Facts vs. Fiction

Hi lovelies,

I had the pleasure of chatting it up with the super funny comedian and actor, Jamie Kaler. His show, America: Facts vs. Fiction, is headed into it's second season and I got all of the insider scoop on what we can expect from the show. 

If you want to catch up on all things American history and text your knowledge and skills, then don't miss out on the Labor Day Marathon on September 5th, on the American Heroes Channel.

It's Time to School Yourself
 

Whip Your Beach Brain Back into Shape with an Entertaining and Enlightening Labor Day Marathon of America: Facts vs. Fiction starring Jamie Kaler

Timed to Back to School, Barnes & Noble Launches an American Heroes Channel-Inspired Book Collection

It's time to put away the suntan lotion and bathing suit and get ready for the first day of school. But first, whip that beach brain back into shape with a day-long marathon of American Heroes Channel's hit series America: Facts vs. Fiction starring formal Naval officer and actor Jamie Kaler. History as we know it is full of holes or half-truths– and America: Facts vs. Fiction is on a mission to set the record straight. The series is a wake-up call about the surprising hidden facts behind the most familiar and beloved stories from our nation's and military's past, exploring why we sometimes get our own history wrong.

Accomplished actor, writer, and stand-up comic, Jamie Kaler, is best known as Mike Callahan on the critically acclaimed TBS comedy My Boys and also appeared in TV series such as Parenthood, How I Met Your Mother and The New Adventures of Old Christine. 

In his younger years, not thinking acting could be an actual profession, Jamie served as a Naval Officer, and received a four-year NROTC scholarship to Boston University. After setting off for ports like Hong Kong, Perth, and Bangkok, Jamie realized he enjoyed watching Top Gun a bit more than actually being in the Navy, and decided to try acting. Now he gets to explore the country to debunk myths as vast as the U.S. itself in America: Facts vs. Fiction.

The return of America: Facts vs. Fiction also coincides with the launch of an American Heroes Channel (AHC) collection of books exclusively from Barnes & Noble. The customized collection features books by experts and contributors and provides readers with a deeper dive into the topics they love, including World War I and II, world and ancient history and more. Learn more at BN.com/AmericanHeroes.

Waist Train Like a Boss with HourGlass Angel

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

 Photo credit - @chrissyteigen

Hi lovelies,

I finally caved in and decided to try waist-training. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical at first, would it really work? Would my organs be all out of whack? But when celebs with enviable bodies yet down-to-earth personalities like Chrissy Teigen give it there blessing, I thought, why not try it?

And I'm glad I did. I had a 2-week vacation to Spain and Portugal coming up and I needed to get bikini ready and fast. I opted for the Amia Active Band from HourGlass Angel in blue. The Amia Active Band allows you to safely waist-train while working out. This was the best choice for me because it motivated me to workout as much as possible and it optimized my workouts.

After a few weeks of working out, primarily cardio with running outside, the elliptical, and the treadmill, with the Amia Active Band, I noticed a visible difference in my tummy. The middle part seemed firmer and the sides slimmer. 

I even packed my waist-trainer with me on my holiday and wore it while working out abroad.  Just like Chrissy, I'm know hooked! Check out below for the skinny on waist-training.

What exactly is waist training and how do you try it safely? 

Ruben Soto, CEO of HourglassAngel.com goes through the trend
step by step:

1) What's involved?

Waist training, by definition, is the practice of wearing a corset or waist cincher regularly to instantly slim your waist, while also supplementing a fitness goal of reducing your natural waist size. Some women choose to do it only when working out, because many styles like the Amia Active Band are designed to increase perspiration and maximize any physical activity. Others wear a waist trainer for long hours every day like the Amia Classic Cincher. The more you wear it, the more dramatic the results.

2) How do you start?

If you're not sure how to use a waist trainer, it's best to start gradually and work your way up a little each day. For example, start with an hour the first day, two hours the next day and so on. You can also break up the time into smaller increments over the course of a day. Ideally for the best results you'll want to wear your trainer ten to twelve hours a day.

3) What are the benefits?

Results vary from person to person, but waist training has several benefits. The biggest one: you get an instant hourglass shape the second you put it on. It's also a great complement for a healthy lifestyle that can help you feel confident and keep you motivated with your diet and fitness. Another big one: many waist trainers stimulate thermal activity in your core, so you sweat harder during runs, workouts and other exercises. In other words, you get more from your workout, with less effort!

4) Is it a replacement for fitness?

No! We absolutely recommend waist training as a complement to healthy diet and exercise. While a waist trainer can help you instantly look slimmer and help keep you motivated, you won't see lasting results without a healthy lifestyle.

5) How long do results take?

It depends on several factors including how much you wear it, your lifestyle changes and the shape of your figure when you start. If you wear a waist trainer as part of a dramatic lifestyle change, you are going to see results fast. If you are already fit and simply want to enhance your figure, your results won't be as pronounced.

6) Do you have to keep it up to maintain results?

Yes. Remember, waist training is part of a lifestyle. If you stopped eating healthy food and exercising, you wouldn't maintain your body's shape. The same goes for a waist training regimen.

7) If you stop waist training, how long will it take for your body to return to the way it was?

Again, your body requires maintenance if you want to retain a certain shape—with diet, exercise and waist training. How long it takes depends on a lot of factors, like how much your body has transitioned and how long you've been doing waist training.

8) How do you pick the right waist trainer?

We recommend starting with the basics: an everyday cincher and a workout waist trainer. Be sure to follow our sizing charts. Most waist trainers feel very snug at first, but your body becomes accustomed to it very quickly. However, wearing a waist trainer should never be painful or restrict your breathing – if it does, take it off immediately and consider another size. For the best results, you want a waist trainer that fits well and is made with quality material.

Sun Rider Winery Jeep Tours + Cloud 9

Hi lovelies,

I was lucky enough to snag a spot on the Sun Rider Winery Jeep Tours, which featured a day of wine tasting, a catered lunch, and off-roading, in the scenic and serene Temecula, CA thanks to a Cloud 9 Living Experience. 

My friend Adria joined me and we started our day by grabbing some Starbucks and then taking a mini road trip from West Hollywood, CA to Temecula, CA. Once we got there we were greeted by our awesome and super friendly tour guide. We hopped in the back set of his Jeep, with its top down, and then started on our way for a day of wine tasting and off roading.

Our first stop was to Hart Winery. We got to see to see inside their VIP Barrel Room and learned how the wine was made, from red to white, and the different ways to age the wine whether it's in the wooden barrels or in the new metal large canisters. 

The second winery stop was Leoness Winery where we provided with an experience that included having our own designated attendee to educate us on the wines and serve us. The property was extremely beautiful and we got to do a walking tour of the grounds. 

After this stop we were treated to a yummy lunch outside where we could rest up until our next adventure. The last stop on our wine tour did not disappoint. We enjoyed our final round of wine tasting at the Avensole Winery where we ran into a fun group of girls hosting a bachelorette party.

I can't wait to go back!

Get the skinny of the Sun Rider Winery Jeep Tour:

• Visit 3 wineries, explore a Barrel Room, sample wine grapes and visit Scenic Oak Mountain
• Local guide will share history, tales and culture while riding in a 4-door Jeep
• Sample more than 20 wines and & enjoy a gourmet lunch outdoors looking over the vineyards!
• Discover the unspoiled, striking beauty of Temecula Valley wine country on this backcountry Winery Jeep Tour!

"Discover the unspoiled, striking beauty of Temecula Valley wine country on this backcountry Winery Jeep Tour!

Not far from Los Angeles or San Diego, the Temecula wine region abounds with stunning views of rolling hills and vineyard vistas. The micro-climate of the South Coast wine region, Temecula Valley, is perfect for wine production. Morning mists, cool summer nights and ocean breezes produce wines that have fresh fruit character and true varietal flavor.

Enjoy 3 sets of tastings at 3 wineries where you'll taste over 20 wines and learn about the vineyards and local history. Savor a delicious picnic lunch overlooking a winery estate.

This charming wine country tour promises a personal experience and will satisfy the wine palate of the novice and experienced wine country explorer alike."