I went to my children’s Spring Concert last week and was frankly appalled at everyone’s undressy state. People were wearing casual khaki shorts, flip-flops and one man was actually in his sweaty workout clothes. Ok, I know we live in Florida and that it was pushing 85 degrees outside BUT this does not give one license to dress in this manner. It was a 7:00 pm concert with a young orchestra playing in formal wear. We were not at a mid-afternoon, outside stinky Blues Fest. Unfortunately, this seems to be a disturbing theme I have noticed everywhere.

I was raised that you dress up when traveling, going for a doctor’s visit or if you are going to be seen by, well, anyone! Basically, if you head out the door make sure your bananas are together and looking sharp.

I am in full rebellion mode with this trend. I have decided to use this as an opportunity to up my fashion game. Honestly, who can say they feel sexier in a pair of flip flops versus a 3 1/2 inch nude heel?? NOBODY! So, while the rest of these people continue down this road of undress please know I will be strutting along beside you in my newest hi low maxi, sky high wedges and blown out hair!

H&H Readers: Have you noticed the same trend where you live or is this purely Florida based?

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

I am a huge believer in consistently switching up your work-out routine. I had found myself in a bit of a fitness rut and felt I had to find something that would challenge my body in new ways.  Being half way through my ‘Year of the Butt’ and not totally on target, incorporating Barre into my fitness regimen seemed like a perfect fit…and it was! I have never seen results happen so quickly with my body. I am completely addicted to Barre!

To give my H&H Readers more information, I sat down for a Q&A with my incredible instructor and owner of Above The Barre Fitness, Maria Gerelus.

H&H: For those who don’t know, what exactly is a barre class?

MARIA: A Barre class is a total body, ultra results oriented workout. It is a combination of Pilates, yoga and therapeutic stretching all pulled together into one extremely intense hour. The method I teach is called BarreAmped. Pure Barre and The Bar Method have clients tucking their pelvis for most of the class. We insist on a very natural curve to the back so no strain and no stress on the body.

H&H: What type of physical result is typically seen in a Barre client?

MARIA: Results are realized not only on the outside but also on the inside. Posture improves, back and neck pain disappear, those who suffer from migraines have seen a lessening of occurrences, sleep is improved. Inches are lost and sizes are dropped. You feel empowered after a Barre class.

H&H: Can anyone participate in a Barre class?

MARIA: Yes. Though extremely intense, a Barre workout is extremely gentle on the body. There is no impact, nothing that can jar your joints or hurt you. I have clients from 15 all the way to 80. Anyone can do it and can stay with it forever.

H&H: How quickly will a newbie notice a difference in their body?

Most clients will see results within 4-6 visits in a 2 week time frame. I’m telling you it is amazing.

H&H: Explain, “If you are shaking, you are changing!”

MARIA: Small isometric movements and position holds are used to take your muscles to fatigue causing the body to shake and the shake causes the body to change very quickly. The result is a long lean muscle.

H&H: What is your favorite part about being a Barre instructor?

MARIA: I absolutely love this workout. I have been working out since I was 15. I am turning 52 this month and have never seen bodies change so quickly. I love that many of my clients who have given up on working out because they hate the gym scene have become addicted and come 3 to 5 times a week.

I love the community of woman that comes to my studios, all lovely and supportive. I love sharing this method and empowering my clients. I am always excited to see bodies change right before my eyes.

 

For Tampa Bay locals click here to follow Above The Barre on Facebook and here for  class schedules and locations. For my H&H Readers outside of the area, find the closest Barre studio and try it out! I promise, you will be hooked!

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

There are 5 absolute beauty essentials that I cannot live without. I use them every single day. This list covers your hair, lips, skin and brows. What else is there??

1. Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel. This gel keeps your brow hair in place and darkens them to better frame your face. Just applying the gel makes it look like you are perfectly maintaining your brows – even though your waxing may be a few weeks over due!

2. Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss and Plumper + Chapstick. This combo adds just the right amount of color and fullness to your lips! I wear it to the gym and out at night.

4. MAC tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizer is an absolute life saver! Depending on how my skin is behaving I typically switch between MAC and Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer.

4. Spornette Little Wonder. This $4.50 brush is a BIG wonder. I had my purse stolen a couple months back and this brush was in it. My hair suffered greatly until I could replace it. This is a must have. It parts your hair perfectly and teases it to perfection!

5. Jergens Ultra Healing Body Lotion. I use insane amounts of this lotion. It is the best lotion I have ever found to hydrate my skin without being too greasy or gooey. People always ask what I do to keep my legs so smooth. Aside from shaving, it’s the Jergens!

H&H Readers: What are your can’t live without beauty essentials??

Written by Lea Barlow • 2 Comments

I almost drove the car off the road when I saw the billboard revealing Coke’s new campaign. I could rant and rave about how this is all sorts of wrong but instead I am taking a lighter route. Here are a few slogans that I would like to see Coke utilize in this campaign…

It’s no secret:

Coke will make your kid fat.

coke.com/everyonelovesthefatkid

Coke is devoid of any nutritional value.

coke.com/worthless

Coke will rot your teeth.

coke.com/iwannabetoothless

Coke contains cancer causing chemicals.

coke.com/livingisoverrated

Coke will make you a Type 2 diabetic.

coke.com/whoneedstwofeet?

 

*H&H Readers, please feel free to submit your own!*

 

 

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment