LOOK GOOD NAKED

Posted by Carmella Miller, CYEd

A person’s inner health is just as important as their outer beauty. Looking good naked is all encompassing; hydrated skin, a sharp mind, and a natural glow are all part of a person’s manifestation. Whether you are heading on vacation soon or still working on your new year’s resolution, here are 8 easy tips to get you started
on the road to fabulous:

1. SLEEP EASY – at least 7.5-9 solid hours a night to restore the body’s cellular levels and reach REM is recommended. About an hour before bedtime, shut the blinds in your bedroom, turn off your iPad, pick up a book, and allow the body and mind to slowly release into a deep slumber.

2. BODY MOVEMENT – studies show 30-60 minutes of activity (walking, running, dancing,
swimming, weights, yoga, whatever!) 3-5 days a week will help maintain weight or lose it depending on calories burned during your session. This does not have to be inconvenient or expensive – try to stretch, strengthen, and incorporate some cardio for a well-rounded regime. Plus, sweating helps renew the skin, releases toxins, and may help fight sickness by building immunity. Remember to rehydrate afterwards.

3. VISUAL MEDITATION – an intentional practice of stillness is important to quiet the mind and relax the body. A sharp mind translates into a better memory and increased patience and concentration. Plus, it’s believed that stress causes over-eating and disrupted sleep (see#1). From a comfortable seated position: visualize a white light at the crown of the head moving through the body softening each place it lands and ending at the base of the spine. Make it work for you – visualize what you can or simply focus on the breath flow.

4. CHEW LONGER – it’s suggested that chewing each bite of food 32 times before swallowing is highly beneficial: tones the jaw, eases digestion, regulates bowels, helps to avoid over-eating, and increases intimacy with your food. Also, by incorporating more vegetarian friendly foods like nuts, legumes, and vegetables, the jaw and stomach work less at breaking down the food and diseases like bowel cancer, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes are dramatically reduced.

5. SEXUAL RELEASE – whether it’s intercourse with a partner or an orgasm on your own, finding sexual liberation is essential for good health. Not only wonderful for stress release, an orgasm helps you sleep better, increases circulation, improves blood pressure, and releases endorphins for natural pain management.

6. COCOA BUTTER – for its toning properties and to enhance a natural glow, slather your body in 100% pure cocoa butter daily (usually found in stick form to be applied after a hot shower). Cocoa butter is known for reducing the look of scars and stretch marks, especially recommended for pregnant women.

7. LAUGH HARD – you burn about 1.5-2 calories every minute you laugh. If that’s not motivating enough, laughter and smiling are known to reduce blood pressure, relieve anxiety, strengthen the diaphragm and lungs, and can improve memory, alertness, and creativity. I bet you’re smiling now!

8. SELF-LOVE – everyday stand in front of the mirror, being non-judgemental and totally loving, and tell yourself you are beautiful, you are smart, and you are blissful. Self-talk is highly beneficial for the psyche by building confidence and happiness. Love yourself first, the rest will follow.

MUSIC STYLE ICONS

Posted by Carmella Miller

People have been drawing parallels between music celebs and fashion trends for decades. With the recent onslaught of best and worst dressed musicians at the 2012 Grammys and the devastating news of diva Whitney Houston, the music industry’s getting more attention than ever.

From pop culture to hip hop, musician’s styles have always trickled down to the masses. Let’s look at some of the stars that have and continue to impact fashion today.

KURT COBAIN
With the recent release of the 20th anniversary edition of Nevermind, Nirvana’s front man, Kurt Cobain, was the face of grunge. At first, grunge was viewed as a music genre only until alternative rockers and depressed teens embraced the look. In fact, Kurt was voted as one of the most influential musicians on fashion of all time. The trend is still present today; just as the iconic singer once did and would likely say himself – shop at local vintage stores, keep an open mind, and always have a cardigan sweater close by.

AMY WINEHOUSE
Before her untimely death last July, Amy collaborated with British designer Fred Perry on a 17 piece collection including vintage-inspired looks like a trench coat, bowling dress, and argyle printed sweaters. Even Jean Paul Gaultier dedicated an entire collection to her style; the latest Paris fashion show had models emulating Amy in super high pumps and corset dresses. Her music played in the distance. On a side note, songbirds Adele and Duffy have given acclaim to Ms. Winehouse saying she’s been the largest influence on them lyrically (do you see similarities between Amy’s beehive and Adele’s ‘50s do)?

GWEN STEFANI
Gwen has her ruby-painted fingernails in everything these days: lead singer (when on tour as they haven’t released a new album for years) for ska band No Doubt, solo artist, fashion purveyor of her own line LAMB, and a full-time mom to two beautiful boys. Gwen has been a fashion favourite since the ‘90s. Popularizing the Indian bindi, starting the neon hair trends, and bench marking Madonna’s classic look, she has been an influence to girls around the globe and also other musicians (hello, Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj).

JAY-Z + BEYONCE
As one of the most consistent rap artists of the last decade, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has majorly impacted peers in his genre as much as fashion itself. After the highly anticipated Grammy win for best rap album, Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Watch The Throne continues to top the charts. Jay-Z cofounded Rocawear, an urban lifestyle brand, several years ago. He’s known for his savvy style sense and meticulously pressed suits. In an industry when tailoring is not prevalent, it’s a welcome break from baseball caps and baggy jeans. Plus his wife, superstar Beyone Knowles, is a well-celebrated and prominent fashion icon herself. House of Dereon, a RTW apparel brand and perfumery, was created years back by Beyonce and her mom/stylist. Looks like J+B are ready to take on their own throne.

LADY GAGA
Let's face it, Lady Gaga's taken fashion to the extreme. From whacky and controversial (remember the meat dress?) to classical and androgynous, she's constantly pushing boundaries on what it means to be stylish or even a woman. Gaga’s broadcasted interview with Jean Paul Gaultier won her fashion acclaim worldwide. By working closely with the creative directors of her shows and strongly monitoring everything from performance attire down to the lighting and makeup, Gaga has proved she can do it all. Love her or hate her – Gaga is truly one of the most influential music style icons of the times.

FIVE FASHIONABLE FOODS

Posted by: Carmella Miller, CYT

Food can be sexy – fun, fresh, fashionable food is all around us. Adopting and sustaining an active, healthy lifestyle in addition to eating right for your body starts with knowledge of and interest in nutritional foods.

For their health benefits and versatile usages, here are the top five hottest foods right now at your local market or health food store including delicious recipes. Being beautiful starts with an inner glow!

1. The antioxidant queen: POMEGRANATE
DEFINED: Sold as a juice (POM Wonderful is, in fact, wonderful) or fruit, this Asian delicacy is full of antioxidants and bold colour; choose organic pomegranates for the best quality

BENEFITS: Increases oxygen to the heart promoting a healthy one and might even aid in erectile dysfunction when eaten regularly

USAGE: Drink the juice as is or add to a smoothie, sprinkle the jewel-like seeds in any regular salad to liven it up, or use as base for marinades

2. The wonder grain: QUINOA
DEFINED: Pronounced keen-wah, this sacred seed of Inca civilization holds amazing nutritional value and is a popular choice even for NASA, recently adding it to its astronaut menu

BENEFITS: It’s a protein powerhouse (one cup has more protein than an egg), internal cleanser (complex carbs that ease digestion), and a brain food – boosts energy via high iron and vitamin B to keep the mind sharp
USAGE: Tasty as a breakfast or dinner food, quinoa is easy to cook (about 20 minutes with water or fruit juice) and can virtually absorb any flavour you add to it; try this stir-fry for dinner tonight - use red or white or combo of both colours for interest

3. The metabolism booster: MATCHA GREEN TEA
DEFINED: From Japan and China, this powdered tea is best whipped in soy or almond milk for a tart, powerful flavour; matcha is fairly low in caffeine compared to black tea and coffee making it a great alternative

BENEFITS: It’s a proven natural weight loss remedy – matcha increases metabolism by up to 40% and potent antioxidants actually forestall the aging process

USAGE: Other than a cup of tea (1 tbsp per 1 cup), try adding matcha to dough, smoothies, and muffin recipes for a bold colour; my favourite cup of tea is from Starbucks - tall, 6 scoop matcha, half sweet, no foam, green tea soy latte

4. The natural sweetener: AGAVE NECTAR
DEFINED: From the same lily plant in Mexico that brings us tequila, agave nectar comes in syrup form and is a great alternative to honey or refined sugar

BENEFITS: The syrup is a low-glycemic sweetener which means it won’t cause a sharp rise or fall in blood sugar levels, perfect for diabetics

USAGE: As a sugar substitute (coffee, baking) – just remember to use only a small amount as it’s far sweeter than the average sugar; whip it into dressings and marinades to balance acidic foods

5. The superspice: TURMERIC

DEFINED: Known as one of the world’s healthiest spices, turmeric has been used in Chinese and Indian cooking for centuries; comes from a perennial plant of the ginger family and has a subtle yet distinct flavour

BENEFITS: Aids in indigestion and inflammation, it also has cancer-fighting properties

USAGE: As a base for pretty much all curries, this yellowy-orange coloured spice can also be used in western cooking like pasta, rice, and lentil dishes. Click here for a basic rice pilaf recipe

BEST WOMEN'S YOGA CLOTHES RIGHT NOW

Have you recently noticed women of all ages and shapes trying to squeeze into form-fitting yoga pants? Have you also noticed that most of these women do not practice the ancient art of yoga?

Whether you are new to the practice or a well-seasoned yogini, finding the best fit for your body type while still feeling comfortable and stylish are important. You do not need to invest large amounts of money into yoga clothes just to follow the trends (hello, Lululemon!); look for articles that are durable, sustainable, and affordable.

Here are some favourites amongst us yoga instructors. Make your clothes as considerate as your practice.

Best Yoga Outfit: Tonic Lifestyle Apparel
Chic and eco-friendly two-pieces (stores throughout Canada)
$55 and up

Best Yoga Pants: Be Present
Mobility pant with side slit (can order wholesale online)
$63

Best Yoga Mat: Prana ECO at MEC

Totally natural and reused materials, straps extra (in-store or online)

$41

Best Yoga Bag: American Apparel

Diagonal strap gym bag, all colours (all stores)

$52

Best Yoga Bra: Titika

Moon bra, T-back, three colour schemes (stores throughout Canada)

$46

Remember, although finding a proper fit is crucial, yoga goes beyond just the popular fads. You can essentially practice yoga in anything, anywhere, and at anytime. Feeling comfortable in your own skin first is the biggest trend of all – the pants come second.

Namaste,

Carmella Miller, CYT