Motivational Monday to Workout!

Hi Everyone!

This week I have made a promise to myself to workout a little bit everyday. I'm not one of those people who can't wait to run to the gym, (although) I wish I was. I am at least athletic and if I can do something in my spare time that gets my heart pumping, I feel I have accomplished a tiny workout. Even if its a 30 minute quick walk around the neighborhood, that makes me feel refreshed and better about myself.  I have been looking high and low for some advice online and ran into this Victoria's Secret model, I think her name is Allessandra?  I could be wrong, but I believe she does this Brazillian Butt workout that makes her behind look astonishing. I never really cared about that asset (ha) of my body until recently. I guess the whole reason why I am blogging about this is because when I start talking about my plans out loud into the universe, it inspires me even more to keep motivated and work towards my goal of a better body. I don't have much to complain about except for toning up a bit more. If anyone sees this, and would like to post or let me know what workouts inspire them, please let me know! I am open for suggestions! What inspires you to get motivated to get your workouts done?  Have a lovely day!

Kristen Workout Playlist: (Yes, Nicki Minaj pumps me up)

1. Bad Girls- MIA

2. I Need Your Love- Ellie Goulding

3. Tom Ford-Jay Z

4. Get Like Me- Pharell and Nicki Minaj

5. Royals-Lorde

6. Come and Get It-Selena Gomez

7. Va Va Voom- Nicki Minaj

8.Wake Me Up- Avicii

9. Blurred Lines- Robin Thicke

10. Tornado-Polina

11.If I Lose Myself Tonight- One Republic

12.I'm the Best- Nicki Minaj

13.Fly- Nicki Minaj

14. We Can't Stop- Miley Cyrus

15. Levels- Avicii

16. One Thing- One Direction

17. Dark Paradise- Lana Del Ray

18. Crazy Kids-Ke$ha
19. Applause-Lady Gaga
20. Roar-Katy Perry

Here is also a Carrot Juice recipe that is wonderful for glowing skin, energy, and great for your health overall:

Kristen's Carrot Elixir:

1. 1 lb. of carrots

2. 1/2 an apple

3. Thumb size ginger root

4. 1/4 size lemon

5. Handful of spinach (optional)

I usually like to drink hot lemon water before I begin. Hot lemon water stimulates your cells to a higher metabolism level. Lemon water has so many benefits! After I'm done, I take the vegetable scrapings into a compost pile. I don't think I will be able to do this in the city, but it is a great fertilizer for your plants! With the population of the Earth getting larger, it's imperative to reuse as much as we can for future generations. It's not a crazy concept, just smart!

Happy Friday! Weekend Wear: Casual Chic Fall 2013

Hello Everyone!

Since I posted a blog about Work Wear, I thought I would devote this page to Casual Weekend Wear.     I love getting dressed for the weekend! There is nothing like letting your hair down and putting on something fun, chic and fabulous! I hope I didn't lose any one's interest in just posting things about my career and leafy green juices! While I love those things, I also love getting creative about styles that can really make myself feel good. Since summer is winding down, I wanted to take the time to talk about Fall Casual Wear. Oh My Gosh! I just remembered my birthday is right around the corner! Guess what scary number I'll be turning? Yes, the dreadful 3-0. I'm none too thrilled about this number.   I know it's not a big deal, but it does have a way of creeping up by making myself take a second look at my wardrobe.  Your early twenties were a time of fun exploration and feeling confident in things I wouldn't catch myself in now. Today, I laugh and tell myself, that was fun then and those days have passed. Listen, I'm not saying I'm old and decrepit, I'm just saying as you grow, you evolve  and change into a more mature person. (One who is understanding better style). I wouldn't judge the twenty something who is doing that today, I just know they will soon get to that place in due time:) So, now that I feel more style savvy, my clothing palette has changed. I always need a great pair of converse. I am really liking the white pair this fall. So cute with a dark denim wash! I love comfortable sweaters on the weekend. There is nothing like having the weather be perfect enough for a sweater and jeans! Boyfriend/ skinny leg jeans are so awesome! You can dress them up with a pair of nude/black heels or down with a pair of converse, smoking slippers or moccasins. Solid long sleeve shirts in grey, white, black along with a black and white stripe are a staple. A black / brown little leather or military green jacket pulls these pieces together. These are just some fun ideas from what I love. What Fall pieces or trends inspire you?

August Children's Read: Pete The Cat: I Love My White Shoes

This book is so adorable!

We read this book the first day of Kindergarten! If you don't already know, this book has been on the New York Times Best Seller list for quite some time! The first day of Kindergarten can be full of jitters. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, really got the kids to open up and sing along. This book is all about Pete, who is a pretty cool cat that wears white shoes. All through the day he ends up stepping in different colors wherever he goes. The moral of the story is whatever you get yourself into, life has a way of  turning things around. This story has a great lesson for kids to stay positive when things may go wrong. It is all good! You could have the students create a cut out of a shoe and have them decorate it anyway they want. I want to add Pete the Cat collection to my library!

Here is the Author's page:

http://www.ericlitwin.com/

Here is a You Tube clip of the story:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nUubMSfIs-U

Fall Work Fashion Wish List... My Little September Issue

Fall Fashion Wish List...My  Little September Issue



This Fall, I've seen so many new and classic styles that I wish I had in my wardrobe! I love Fall styles! Fall is my favorite time of the season. The weather is perfectly crisp, where you can coordinate layers and a nice boot. I have my eye on the most stunning pair of Frye Melissa Riding boots in Cognac at Nordstrom! I have been eyeing these boots for about a year (maybe more). Yes, they are expensive, but when I wear a pair of boots, I really get my money's worth. I figure I will have them for years, that is if I don't wear them every single day! But, this is usually how I operate. If I am stuck on a clothing piece or accessory, it usually stays in my wardrobe for years to come. Another essential for fall is the J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Navy. This is a perfect pairing with any color button down shirt, your Frye boots of course, and a skinny leg pant. You don't have to spend a lot of money on clothing, just recycle these items with matching them up with a different button down or classic pencil skirt. Jewel tones will be in favor- think Emerald green and Sapphire/ Cobalt Blue, a la this J.Crew pencil skirt. I always keep my chambray shirts in handy along with my Ralph Lauren Cognac and Black horse bit belts. I also have my classic black and grey thin layer turtlenecks. They usually have great ones at Club Monaco or Zara. They look polished and put together with any work ensemble. Accessory wise, I love my gold link necklace and gold Michael Kors watch my fiance bought me. He's so sweet! I just remember to wear one accessory at a time. Too much can be a major fashion catastrophe.  A cute everyday shoe that look fabulous are the classic ballet flats in a solid color. This is just some of my style ideas, other people may think differently. I still like the pleated long skirts with a button down and belt. of course I cant forget my striped shirts! I really like the trend of mixing stripes with a floral! Sometimes the matchy looks too put together. Break it up! And the last essential  for work is of course the little black dress. You can do anything with this dress, if you didn't already know!  I found a super cute cobalt dress this season, I adore it! Just remember to have fun and make sure you feel comfortable in what feels like your own style. Remember, its  what is on the inside that makes you beautiful!

Coming soon, casual weekend wear 2013!

NY Times Children's Book of the Day in August

                                            




NY Times Children's Book of the Day:

The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli

Since summer is still here, I wanted to review a book that I thought was refreshing and funny for kids. It's called The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli. This book is cute and fun natured. It's all about a crocodile who is scared to eat a watermelon because of a possible fear of the seed growing in his belly. I want to share this book with my Kindergarten class because its a short story that they can follow along to as I point to the large words on the page. This helps them with sight words. You could also use this book for choral reading.They are exposed to strategies like predicting what might happen if the the crocodile accidentally ends up eating a watermelon seed! This book has wonderful colorful illustrations. I just have to explain to them that a seed cannot grow in your belly if you do end up eating a watermelon seed! 

http://www.whataboutwatermelon.com/index.php/2013/05/3639/

After the book, you could ask the students what their favorite fruit is to eat. 
You could also compare and contrast different fruits and have them think about the fruits with seeds and what they look like inside. 
Here is a recipe for a Watermelon Juice I recently made!



Watermelon Juice:

1. 1/2 Watermelon
2. 1 Lemon sliced
3.  Handful of fresh Mint (optional)

This is a great refreshing mildly sweet summer drink. I start with slicing the watermelon in half. 
Half of the watermelon is pretty sufficient. Cut the watermelon into cubes and toss them 
into your juicer. I prefer most of the rind, just make sure to cut the very green part off. 
The rind is full of nutrients for your body. I then take the sliced lemon and toss it into the juicer. It is ok to leave the seeds in the watermelon. Remember, the seeds will not hurt you, a watermelon will not be growing inside of you! 

I then take the mint and put it in the juicer. 
This is a great juice to beat the summer heat! 
If you have some watermelon juice left over, 
get out a popcicle tray and freeze the 
leftovers for a tasty watermelon popsicle! 

Back to School

Hello Everyone!

 This weekend was a major task to clean and organize my belongings before I begin teaching. I really feel so much better about my life when I shed unwanted clothing and gadgets that I don't use anymore. I feel refreshed and ready to take on the world! I usually do this cleaning after each season. This helps me transition into each of the four seasons easier and takes unwanted stress off of having to look for things. Being organized is the first step into clearing your mind and getting ready for new experiences ahead.

 My grandmother Lillian introduced this practice to me and my sister growing up. Thank god I still do this! Since I am a lover of style and clothing, it helps me put together my ensembles quicker for the day ahead. If I am transitioning from summer to fall, I usually begin bringing out more of my fall clothes and storing the summer things. I go with the rule, if you haven't worn it within a year, toss it! This eliminates unnecessary clutter and allows me more free time to do whatever else I need to accomplish! Not only do I feel better about myself, the things that I no longer use are going to someone else in need. Here is just a glimpse into my organized dresser!

It's the little things in life that make me smile!