Lucky January

1. Tone-on-tone dressing
2. Metallics (clothes, accessories and make up)
3. Graphic prints
4. Statement jewelry
5. Ultra bright colors (try a moto jacket in neon pink pg 49)
6. Classic manicure (aka red nail polish)
7. Eyeliner
8. Shiny hair
9. Mixing patterns: bold stripes and florals almost always complement each other.
10. Statement heels or flats
11.  Layered look (and they mean llaayyeerreeddd!)
12. Lucky suit - no matchy-matchy!
13. The snood is back!

Dang, you have to be super careful, when reading fashion/style magazines.  I call them "my dirty magazines" - must pick out the gem ideas from all the garbage and clutter.  But these DKNY shoes are literally in every magazine this month.

Source: Lucky magazine, January 2013

OMG! I am a turophile!

I love cottage cheese.  It's one of my favorite foods.  At any giving time I have two or three different kinds in my fridge.  Theoretically, I eat it because it is a great source of lean protein, since I lift practically every day.  In reality, I eat it because I just can't get enough of the creamy goodness. Normally, I strive for portion control and only eat a couple of teaspoons at a time. But on Sunday mornings I allow myself to indulge - cottage cheese is the only thing I eat for breakfast.  And I eat as much I want.

I am not exactly sure why cottage cheese has some kind of stigma attached to it in US.  But I know that you should definitely eat more of it.  It doesn't hurt that some varieties are calcium fortified, which is great for your bones.  In addition, cottage cheese it a very versatile food.  It pairs with so many other flavors and can be used in many dishes. These are a couple of my suggestions.  What's yours like?

• Chocolate syrup
• Raisins 
• Dry cereal
• Orange juice concentrate
• Brown sugar and cinnamon
• Instant coffee
• Pudding
• Fruit
• Jam
• Salsa
• With chopped spinach, thawed
• On peanut-buttered crackers
• As stuffing in crepes
• In pastries
• In a salad 
• In a lasagna (just don’t tell you husband)
• On baked potato
• In dips

Source: 

http://nutritiondata.self.com

January Shape Facts

• Violets are "the flower of modesty because its blooms are hidden in the leaves; violets possess a powdery scent that's popular in perfumes". pg. 16
• 47% of readers spend 2 to 5 hours on social media EVERY DAY! pg. 20
• People who regularly slather themselves with sunscreen aren't more prone to being D-deficient than those who don't.  pg. 41
• The risk of skin cancer jumps 75% when people use tanning beds before age 30.  pg. 44 (Well, I'm screwed!)
• 49% of women who cite crow's feet as their top wrinkle concern. pg. 44
• Overhydrating can take a toll on skin by flashing essential vitamins and electrolytes our of your bloodstream. pg. 44
• When applied to skin, yogurt hydrates and promotes the good bacteria, such as S. epidermidis, while minimizing the bad ones, like pimple-promoting P. acnes. pg. 46
• Women think about their wrinkles 5 times a day on average. pg. 46
• Only 6.3% of women lift weights. pg. 59
• 12% of gym-goers enroll in January. pg. 60
• Women who cycle through their weight loss are just as likely to shed pounds later as those starting a program for the first time. pg. 79
• 33% of women admit to eating in front of the tube. pg. 80
• Those who turn over food packages to look at the nutrition labels weigh an average 9 pounds less than those who don't. pg. 80  (Don't just look at it - read it, people!)
• Working out first thing in the morning may help control your appetite.  pg. 80 (I second that.)
• People who down four or more cups of green tea a day are 16% less likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes than nondrinkers are.  pg. 85
• 57% of Americans wash their hands for only 5 to 15 seconds. pg. 97
• One  study found  that a light box (that replicates the sun's beams, sans the harmful UV rays) treatment boosts both mood and cognitive performance; another showed it can improve motor skills.  pg. 98
• Obesity epidemic is spreading... More than half of all dogs and cats in the US are now overweight - compared with 3/4 of humans. pg. 98
• Acupuncture significantly relieves discomfort from osteoarthritis, migraines, and chronic back, neck, and shoulder aches.  pg. 100
• Caffeine ups your energy level and athletic performance. pg 101
• Each year, about 22,280 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer; about 15,500 will die of it. pg. 102
• The average desk is host to 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. pg. 108
• 62% of office workers regularly eat their lunch at their desk. pg. 108
• Visual clutter limits your brain's ability to process information, which makes it harder to focus. pg. 108
• Employees who decorate their work space are happier, healthier, and 32% more productive when those who don't. pg.108
• Excess abdominal fat has been linked to higher triglycerids, pre-diabetes, and inflammation. pg. 114
• 68% of men and 59% of women believe in love at first sight. pg. 116
• Not getting enough sleep has been linked to a number of health problems, including weight gain, decreased immune function, heart disease, diabetes, and depression. pg. 140
• 34% of women make or receive at least 11 phone calls and send or receive more than 11 text messages daily. pg. 140
• Using an iPad for two hours before bed suppressed levels of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep and wake cycles, by 22%. pg.140
• 9% of pet owners share their bed with them.  pg. 141
• Nearly half of Americans are oblivious about their credit score. pg. 162
• 80% of credit reports contain mistakes.  pg. 162
• The best time to shop for electronics is in March. pg. 165
• Katy Perry has had seven number-one hits in the last two years. pg. 176

Source: Shape magazine, January/February 2013

http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/killer-5-minute-abs-workout

Da Perfect Woman?

I love to read.  I read a lot.  At any given time I am reading something. For example, right now I am reading a very curious book - "Why Do Men Love Bitches" by Sherry Argov. I have never had a "self-help" book captivate me this much.

One thing I really like thus far is her definition of the societal label "bitch".  A bitch is "an empowered woman who derives tremendous strength from the ability to be an independent thinker".  Sherry also provides ten characteristics that define a bitch:
1.   She maintains her independence.
2.   She doesn't pursue him.
3.   She is mysterious.
4.   She leaves him wanting.
5.   She doesn't let him see her sweat.
6.   She remains in control of her time.
7.   She maintains a sense of humor.
8.   She places a high value on herself.
9.   She is passionate about something other than him.
10. She treats her body like a finely tuned machine."

Throughout the book Sherry also uses other expressions to define her perception of a "bitch":

• kind yet strong;
• a strength that is ever so subtle;
• will stand up for herself;
• knows what she wants, but will not compromise herself to get it;
• flowery on the outside and steel on the inside;
• uses her femininity to her own advantage;
• plays fair;
• has the presence of mind to not be swept away by romantic fantasy;
• remains cool under pressure;
• knows when to pull back and stop giving;
• she is a mental challenge;
• has an edge;
• lives by her own standards;
• places high value on herself;
• capable of holding her own in a relationship. 

Hmmm... I don't think I mind being a bitch at all.

2012 Great Male Survey

Lately I've been working on a small piece for work - a survey.  In partnership with SurveyMonkey.com, of course.  Thus, I have been doing a lot of research on surveys in general.  This is a curious one. 

http://www.askmen.com/specials/great_male_survey/

Apparently, males have evolved.  Who knew?

LA FAB: Street Style

One cold windy Thursday morning I was waiting for a bus to go to the Fashion District (of course), when I saw this amazing lady painting these utility boxes at Wilshire/Western.

This kind of magic pops of beauty always make me absurdly happy. So I couldn't help myself, but chat her up. Thank you, Ann, for making my day. And for making our fabulous city even more breathtaking.

RANDOM QUOTE: Unknown

LA FAB: The Perfect Flats

Yay! Another fabulous find at the fabulous Fashion District (FD)!  Finally!

As you probably guessed, I am generally NOT a flats girl. However, I have been converting ever since I moved to LA, because I walk so much here.  Sadly, I have tried many many MANY different brands and styles of un-heeled dressy shoes over the years – none fitted me correctly in one way or another. But I was determined to find THE perfect pair.  I stumbled upon these in one of the tiny shops on Santee Street (not to be confused with Santee Alley). 

I wore these flats at the FD today all day. No, I do not go there too much.  These shoes do not fall off.  They do not rub you wrong in any places.  No socks – and not a single blister. Not a scratch.  Not a single damaged toe. And of course, I can make it in them through the whole day at work.  

Bonus: they come in so so SO many varieties with so so SO many beautiful embellishments – I thought I died and gone to heaven.  Well, truth be told - I feel like that every time I go to the FD. 

And the best part? The super fantastic price of only $5! So naturally, I couldn’t keep it all to myself.  But please, ladies, don’t buy them all – I need me at least one more pair – with the rhinestones.  Well, and a pair of red ones.  And a pair…  And…

My Random LA 2012

 

 

 

Color of 2013: Emerald

Pantone color of 2013 is emerald.

"Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty
that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

 

 
Even though emerald is my birth stone, you will never see me wearing anything green.  Because I hate green.  Yes, I know - hate is a strong word.  But I definitely hate green.  I detest green.  I don't care how lively, how radiant, or how lush.  I don't even want to touch anything green. There is nothing green in my life. Not even a teeny bottle of nail polish.  Not even a Tupperware lid.

Sources:
http://myweddingnigeria.com/6159/pantone-fashion-spring-colour-2013/
http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr.aspx?pg=21005&ca=4&from=hpfeatures