Wedding shower time

This past weekend was my wedding shower! I did not have an engagement party, so this was the first official wedding festivity that we had. WOW. It was overwhelming to have a room full of 60 women there for me, but I felt SO lucky to have so much love all at one time.

I was VERY excited about a couple of gifts but one in particular was our Breville Juicer.

I have been wanting a juicer for quite a while and thought putting it on our registry would be the perfect idea. We registered our juicer on  Amazon.

I asked followers on instagram and facebook for juicing recipes. Here are a few:

•  celery, apple, lime, ginger
• celery, cucumber, ginger, apple, lemon, kale, spinach
• Spinach, carrots, ginger,apple
• carrots, beet, pineapple, orange, kale, watercress
• apple or pear, cucumber, parsley, 2 types of kale, romaine, mint

What is your favorite juice combo?

Here is a snap of me filling my plate with some yummy food. I first served myself a 1/4 of a bagel and cream cheese,salad and some steamed veggies. And then I had a waffle, cake, and a half a chocolate chip muffin... whoops! YAY for getting married in two months!

OH for all you future brides, one piece of advice: I was going to wear a cute mini dress BUT my friend steered me in another direction. She said you can still be cute but be comfy. Opening gifts can get crazy and you want to be able to move around and not worry too much about the way your are sitting!

Above is my mom me and my grandmother!

My outfit:

I went with some wide leg pants (looks like a skirt) from Zara (found them in Portugal ), paired with the Victoria Secret Ballet Tee and a neon green scarf from the Gap. And of course my NEON TIEKS! The Victoria top was SO comfy and cute. I did not wear a bra with it, instead I wore these from Gap Body. They stick to your chest! 

Hope everyone is having an awesome Monday. XO

Review: Nina B Roze Feminine Active Apparel

Around Valentines Day Nina B Roze reached out to me about her Heart Butt Yoga leggings. These leggings have gotten so much press and attention, and I can see why! I'd love to have a heart on my butt :)

Nina's collection is located out of LA and is inspired by the Victorian era, unique details and the modern woman. They make their apparel functional for an athlete and elegant enough to wear out. I looked through their apparel and really fell in love with the style of The Sports Yoga Top that I am wearing below.

The top was a bit funny to get on at first. I bet most people do not have this problem, I just get confused when there is more than one hole (in a shirt!!) Ew, come on guys!

Anyway, It was SUPER cute when it was on. I love the lace cap sleeves and the back, OMG the back. So sexy, and I felt special in it.

Although I am in love with the design and the look I am not so much in love with the material. I am into super soft clothes that feel amazing on my skin. The Sports Yoga Top felt a little like a thick bathing suit (just a little more loose). Sometimes that material is NOT forgiving. Just something to keep in mind. I would still wear this top, but would be selective during which activities I wear it.

I do not doubt that when I wear this to the gym it will get a lot of attention.

Below I asked Nina some questions so that we can get to know a little more about her and her brand. Check it out!

USE PROMO CODE MYHBL20 for 20% off the entire shop! 

What material are your clothes made out of?

• We use an array of fabrics that compliment the body and keep it cool. For tops we use spandex, poly knits, mesh and open lace that allows your skin to breathe during different activities. Bottoms we chose moisture management fabrics such as dryflex made from polymide that dry quickly on the body.

Why do you think they are good for working out? Or how are they different?

• The clothes have a great fit and move with the body. Recently, I had a yoga instructor tell me “It feels like I’m wearing nothing”. Which supports the purpose of a better workout. The clothes are unique because they’re versatile. Women will wear our pieces for pilates, barre classes, gym or yoga, while others will wear them wearing errands, lounging around the house and even going out for dinner. The idea is create beautiful pieces that can be worn everywhere!

What inspires you?

• I love transformation. In my eyes, when I look at a woman, I automatically envision in her something I designed or about to design. My inspiration comes from yoga studios, gym floors and seeing women on the street. I take this essence and collaborate it with Victorian era, unique embellishments and mixing fabrics that allows me to create functional, yet beautiful clothing. I love incorporating feminine details that have an elegant look when you want to go out, yet keeping the construction and functionality for working out.

When and how did you start designing clothes?

• I have been designing clothes all my life. My official moment of design happened when my parents left me in my room with a needle, fabric and my tiny Barbie at the age of 7. It was that day, I hand-sewed a yellow dress with beaded embellishment at the hem. After that, came many different Barbie outfits of sailors, unique gowns, and party dresses that were all photographed in-front of a backdrop I had painted. My serious approach to design was when I got accepted to Otis College of Art & Design, where I learned the process of designing a garment, a collection, draping and pattern-making, tailoring and so much more. The techniques of design I still use today.

Do you work out? If yes, what is your favorite activity?

• I love to work out! I think it’s the most incredible thing you can do for your body. I enjoy running, lifting weights and taking Hot power fusion yoga. On occasion I will indulge in a barre class, to remind myself of my teenage years when I was a ballerina.

Thank you Nina B Roze for sharing your beautiful fitness apparel with us! I hope to see more beautiful designs in the future!

Bar III and my LOUD voice

I had time yesterday between a client and class so I thought I would do a little shopping...whoops! I went in to Macy's for the first time in a long time and came across a brand called Bar III. Has anyone ever heard of this? I found such cute stuff, and just my luck they were having crazy sales! I really love Bar III's clothes and am so excited to have discovered them.

Here is a top I got. French Row Top. SO SO SO soft. I got one for my mom too! It's on SALE!

I wanted to share Bare III with you because some of their stuff is super comfy, things I can totally picture myself going to class in! And I am always on the lookout for cute clothes than can be worn in the studio and out. They have fun dresses too!

Some "cute for studio" and also for street tops:

Slub knit

Long sleeve striped ruched Might need to get that one!

High low

baseball Tee

And how awesome is this top!

Also I wanted to talk about the fact that I know I have a SUPER loud voice. Even when I try to whisper it comes out as a yell.  People have commented on my YouTube videos that my voice is too loud:

"Too LOUD !!!!PLEASE DONT SCREAM ! such a good girl and nice things,dont spoil! Thank you !"

"You are WAY too loud and hyper though I do love the content."

Even though I find the comments funny, I do have to agree. I have to turn the volume down when I watch my own videos. I can not help my "hyperness" or my crazy energy, but I think I can help the volume of my videos. I am going to look in to a wireless microphone and I hope that will make the difference.

Without a Wireless Mic: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6q9dRbDO9w?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

With a Wireless Mic: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HjUgRhjSf8?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Review: FeelFitWear Apparel

It is always obvious to me when workout clothes have the Brazilian flair. Alexa Malzone, an amazing ZUMBA teacher in Boston, wears a lot of athletic apparel that she purchases from a Brazilian company. Her bright colors and crazy prints always make me smile. FeelFitWear has a similar feel and design. FeeFitWear is a a womens active wear online boutique. Veronica, the founder of FeeFitWear, infuses her Brazilian culture in her clothing design. FeelFitWear is manufactured in Brazil.

A couple of months ago I was sent the Camo Capri and All Exercise Tank from FeelFit Wear to test out and review. I was able to pick an outfit to test and at first sight I knew I loved the capris. They are bright and fun. I had a hard time picking a tank top that I liked, so I had Veronica pick one for me. I have a particular style, and their tops are not my style. I usually like to go bold on the bottom and simple on the top. I also felt that some of the tanks were too short, and I tend to wear mine a little longer. The one Veronica sent me was actually a good length!

I decided to review on comfort and support and you can judge the style on your own.

Tank I was sent: All Exercise Tank Top

The All Exercise tank was very comfortable. Felt good on my body. I have a smaller bust size and did not need a bra with the tank. I think if you have a larger bust you would need more support.

Capris I was sent: Camo Capri

With the Camo Capri the support was there! It held me in and I felt good wearing them. As for comfort for the most part it was fine but there is an inside seem that MIGHT bother some people. But overall I was happy.

The thing I loved most about the camo capris was where it hit on my hips. It is a bit lower than most of my capris, but I kind of liked that. It hugged my butt and legs nicely! The capris really felt like they did their job of holding me in.

My next purchase from FeelFitWear?

I really like how this capri has different shades of purple in order to make the pattern.

Super Cute sports bra, I totally want this.

Check out FeelFitWear

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/feelfitwear

Twitter: https://twitter.com/feelfitwear

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Feelfitwear

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/feelfitwear/

What do you think about this brand?

Wedding dress designers you haven't heard of and a nice cold treat (scroll to bottom)

goddess dress

This post on wedding dresses seems appropriate because not only have I had requests from readers to do more "wedding stuff" but a few weekends ago I went to NYC and finally gave my dress a GO! It is happening. My wedding dress is being made. And as you can tell from the picture below I get really excited when surrounded by wedding dresses!

photo (45)

An amazing designer/seamstress in NYC is working on the dress that we designed and put together. I found inspiration through many different styles and dresses. Through my dress search I came across certain features and detailing of dresses that I loved.  Most of us have heard of Vera Wang, Jim Hjelm, Oscar de la Renta, and Reem Acra. But below is a list of designers that are not so popular. Many of them are London designers, and I found myself attracted to their styles. Hopefully you can find some inspiration!

Jenny Packham- The beautiful backs to her dresses caught my eye.  Her dresses have amazing bead work and detailing.

Sarah Seven - A designer from the USA! Portland Oregon. Her dresses have frills, layers, and movement. Girly and oh so sweet. I love  her accessories too!

Sarah Janks- Feminine. Beautiful backs. Sexy Elegance.

Temperly London- When I see these dresses I think elegance, sophistication and royalty. Lace and sleeves.

Amanda Wakeley- Light fabrics and not your traditional wedding dress. Her take on the staples dress is my favorite. London Designer. Her style reminds me a bit of Nicole Miller.

Clair Pettibone- Vintage feel. Most of her dresses have texture or lace. Very few are staples.

Penina Tournai- The first designer I fell in love with. Her work is amazing. So intricate and truly pieces of art. These dresses are for the avant guard bride and those with a larger budget! Israeli Designer.

J Crew- Simple. Elegant. And will not break the bank. We often look over J Crew, but they really have some beautiful dresses. Check them out for brides maid dresses too.

Nicole Miller - Simple BUT the little detailing will give you an edge. Most of these dresses are slim fitting. Some of these dresses are perfect for an outside wedding.

What are you favorite dress designers? What is your favorite style of dress?

OH and I made this last night. SO good, SO easy, you SO need to try it!

photo (50)

ingredients:

• 7-10 FROZEN strawberries
• 10-15 FROZEN blueberries
• 1 FROZEN banana
• Then add about 4-8oz of unsweetened almond milk (you can use coconut milk, rice milk, cows milk, whatever). Decide what consistency you like it and just play with how much milk you add in. Start adding the milk in slowly, because you can always add more. **if you do not have enough milk your blender will get jammed up.

Directions:

• add all ingredients together in blender
• blend
• add more milk as needed
• enjoy