I have moved my blog to www.thefitfashionreview.com Check me out for up to date advice on fitness, fashion, nutrition, yoga, and so much more!
xoxo,
LB
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
So we talked all night about the rest of our lives...
... where we going to be when we turn twenty-five.. eh nine.
Hiya Beauts!
Yes this is me singing the Vitamin C song from a-many graduation ago and it fills me with excitement and nostalgia as I am about to graduate this weekend from my 200 hour Teacher Training with Rolf Gates! This has been an interesting year of accomplishments for me, many of which were very unexpected and stemmed from my OBsession with kettlebell training and physical fitness. Over the past year I have been certified as a personal trainer and kettlebell instructor, I began teaching Kettlekore, a kettlebell program featured at Advanced Training Concepts, and, along with several teamates at ATC, I recieved a kettlebell rank with the World Kettlebell Club. I would not have been able to do any of this with out the help of my mentor and coach, Cyrus Peterson. Sometimes we are so caught up in the excitement of our own accomplishments and adventures that we don't take the time to appreciate the people that got us there. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Without his influence and constant push to be better and do more I would not have these experiences.
While Kettlebell training is like the Gauntlet, always challenging and hard as the metal griped within my white knuckles, Yoga is the parade of flowers.. a colorful celebration of beauty. When things get tough, and especially tight :), I find my self letting it all go on my mat and opening my self up to great things. It only seemed natural to pursue a yoga certification. In the midst of making this decision.. it landed right at my front door, in my home studio of Charlotte Yoga. Rolf Gates was coming to town for 3 days a month for 8 months to teach us Yoga. Being an acclaimed author and taught by many greats, I knew that this was an experience that I could not let pass me by. So I began in this journey with 34 other women and feel so sad but so happy to see this very last 3 day weekend come. I am happy to write this to you all because I am truly slowing down to feel the magnitude of this coming weekend. I hope that all of you beauts are able to challenge yourself to your full potential, find that place to nurture your soul, and finally take the time to be present in the accomplishments of your beautiful soul. I am leaving you with a quote from that silly Vitamin C song and I hope it resonates with you!
Namaste Beauts, hugs and kisses,
Lizzie Bananas - WKC Longcycle Rank II, Kettlebell Instructor, and soon to be Certified Yoga Teacher :)
Will we think about tomorrow like we think about now
Can we survive it out there? Can we make it somehow?
I guess I thought that this would never end
And suddenly it's like we're all women and men.
I keep thinking that it's not goodbye
Keep thinking it's our time to fly.
-Vitamin C - Graduation Song, Friends Forever
Hiya Beauts!
Yes this is me singing the Vitamin C song from a-many graduation ago and it fills me with excitement and nostalgia as I am about to graduate this weekend from my 200 hour Teacher Training with Rolf Gates! This has been an interesting year of accomplishments for me, many of which were very unexpected and stemmed from my OBsession with kettlebell training and physical fitness. Over the past year I have been certified as a personal trainer and kettlebell instructor, I began teaching Kettlekore, a kettlebell program featured at Advanced Training Concepts, and, along with several teamates at ATC, I recieved a kettlebell rank with the World Kettlebell Club. I would not have been able to do any of this with out the help of my mentor and coach, Cyrus Peterson. Sometimes we are so caught up in the excitement of our own accomplishments and adventures that we don't take the time to appreciate the people that got us there. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Without his influence and constant push to be better and do more I would not have these experiences.
While Kettlebell training is like the Gauntlet, always challenging and hard as the metal griped within my white knuckles, Yoga is the parade of flowers.. a colorful celebration of beauty. When things get tough, and especially tight :), I find my self letting it all go on my mat and opening my self up to great things. It only seemed natural to pursue a yoga certification. In the midst of making this decision.. it landed right at my front door, in my home studio of Charlotte Yoga. Rolf Gates was coming to town for 3 days a month for 8 months to teach us Yoga. Being an acclaimed author and taught by many greats, I knew that this was an experience that I could not let pass me by. So I began in this journey with 34 other women and feel so sad but so happy to see this very last 3 day weekend come. I am happy to write this to you all because I am truly slowing down to feel the magnitude of this coming weekend. I hope that all of you beauts are able to challenge yourself to your full potential, find that place to nurture your soul, and finally take the time to be present in the accomplishments of your beautiful soul. I am leaving you with a quote from that silly Vitamin C song and I hope it resonates with you!
Namaste Beauts, hugs and kisses,
Lizzie Bananas - WKC Longcycle Rank II, Kettlebell Instructor, and soon to be Certified Yoga Teacher :)
Will we think about tomorrow like we think about now
Can we survive it out there? Can we make it somehow?
I guess I thought that this would never end
And suddenly it's like we're all women and men.
I keep thinking that it's not goodbye
Keep thinking it's our time to fly.
-Vitamin C - Graduation Song, Friends Forever
Monday, October 11, 2010
Chanel and Catwalks and Sushi.. Oh My!
Hi Beautifully Fit and Fabulous People,
I am dying to tell you of an amazing event that is going down this week in the QC.. Rita Miles of Miles Interiors is throwing a fashion and design showcase that canNOT be missed. This Thursday night at 7:00 pm, the wild and crazy sushi place where we have spent many a GNO, Nikko's on South Boulevard is hosting Miles of Impact - a charity event for Project Go sponsored by Chanel, Skirt Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, Creative Loafing, and many others.
The event is a must for the fit and fashionable people of Charlotte - featuring sushi samplings, wine tastings, three, THREE, fashion shows, swag bags, giveaways, and tons, TONS, of celebrity sightings! Chanel is launching their Bleu de Chanel men's fragrance and some of your favorite local boutiques will be featured on the runway on this very special night of fashion!
Admission is only $20 and you can expect this event to catwalk right on through to early Friday morning! There will be free valet parking, a red carpet entrance, and entertainment by TV personalities and professional athletes, as well as a night FULL of dancing.
Hope to see you there in your most fashionable fits!
xoxoxo,
Lizzie Bananas
elizabethupchurch@gmail.com
I am dying to tell you of an amazing event that is going down this week in the QC.. Rita Miles of Miles Interiors is throwing a fashion and design showcase that canNOT be missed. This Thursday night at 7:00 pm, the wild and crazy sushi place where we have spent many a GNO, Nikko's on South Boulevard is hosting Miles of Impact - a charity event for Project Go sponsored by Chanel, Skirt Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, Creative Loafing, and many others.
The event is a must for the fit and fashionable people of Charlotte - featuring sushi samplings, wine tastings, three, THREE, fashion shows, swag bags, giveaways, and tons, TONS, of celebrity sightings! Chanel is launching their Bleu de Chanel men's fragrance and some of your favorite local boutiques will be featured on the runway on this very special night of fashion!
Admission is only $20 and you can expect this event to catwalk right on through to early Friday morning! There will be free valet parking, a red carpet entrance, and entertainment by TV personalities and professional athletes, as well as a night FULL of dancing.
Hope to see you there in your most fashionable fits!
xoxoxo,
Lizzie Bananas
elizabethupchurch@gmail.com
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Heather Hawkins Trunk Show Tomorrow!!
Hi Beauts!Waking up this morning to another chilly Fall day, I am flipping through my closet deciding WHAT in the H-bomb to wear? Am I going to wear my Frye or Jeffrey Campbell boots, a scarf or my fave fuzzy Marc Jacobs sweater, skinny cords or J Brand Power Stretch jegging, hmmm... and what ELSE am I missing...? What undoubtedly compliments a Fall look? An intricately designed leather handbag, that's what!
Heather Hawkins is a Charlotte native that now resides in Santa Monica, CA. She debuted her line, of fine Italian leather handbags and accessories, in Spring of 2005 and has gained national success AND a celebrity following! Her unique clutches have been featured in InStyle, Glamour, and Lucky.
Fresh Boutique in Myer's Park is hosting Heather, her handbags, and her cool leather and accessories tomorrow, Thursday October 7th, from 3-8 pm!! So rarely does a famous designer actually get to make an appearance BUT tomorrow is THE day!! Fresh will be having cocktails and in-store specials and you will have a chance to meet and greet with the designer!
It is time to pull together you Fall wardrobe so whether it is a new handbag or Fall staples Fresh is the place to check out!
See you all there!!
xoxo,
Elizabeth - LB ;)
P.S. My girl - Kim K - should have been featured in US's "I really love my..." segment, as many times as she was photog-ed with her Heather Hawkins Love is Large, hand-woven, black clutch!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Can't Touch Your Toes Today?
Hi Beauts!
For all of you runners, Kettlebell girls, Yogaheads, and Zumba queens out there you probably, like me, have sore, tight muscles on a regular basis. For one - GO YOU for working so hard! And two, I want to let you in on one of the best home remedies for this residual soreness from being one-tough-chica! I bought a foam roller at the beginning of my Yoga training and never touched the thing. After training with a good friend of mine in Pinehurst on Labor Day I experienced the benefits of this simplistic tool. Foam rollers are used to break up scar tissue and pressure points, as well as a self-massage and myofascial release. Myofascial release is important for athletes to break down any adhesions of bone, muscle, and skin. Adhesions restrict muscle movement and reduce flexibility. MR also relieves IT Band Syndrome, shin splints, and post-workout soreness. AKA - you will be back in the game quicker, your down dog will look better, and you can rockout your grapevine in dance class! There are many youtube videos with exercises that you can do with a foam roller but the idea is that you use your own body weight to apply pressure to large muscle groups as you roll over the dense, foam, noodle-like tool. The benefits are equal to a sports massage without the price tag.
Today I will be having a Yoga class at 5:30pm at Duvalla Avenue and I will be rolling some of you beauts.. If you have any questions or would like to try out the roller shoot me an email or swing by for class! Have a great Tuesday dolls! Hope to see you this afternoon!
Loves,
Elizabeth (Lizzie Bananas)
elizabethupchurch@gmail.com
For all of you runners, Kettlebell girls, Yogaheads, and Zumba queens out there you probably, like me, have sore, tight muscles on a regular basis. For one - GO YOU for working so hard! And two, I want to let you in on one of the best home remedies for this residual soreness from being one-tough-chica! I bought a foam roller at the beginning of my Yoga training and never touched the thing. After training with a good friend of mine in Pinehurst on Labor Day I experienced the benefits of this simplistic tool. Foam rollers are used to break up scar tissue and pressure points, as well as a self-massage and myofascial release. Myofascial release is important for athletes to break down any adhesions of bone, muscle, and skin. Adhesions restrict muscle movement and reduce flexibility. MR also relieves IT Band Syndrome, shin splints, and post-workout soreness. AKA - you will be back in the game quicker, your down dog will look better, and you can rockout your grapevine in dance class! There are many youtube videos with exercises that you can do with a foam roller but the idea is that you use your own body weight to apply pressure to large muscle groups as you roll over the dense, foam, noodle-like tool. The benefits are equal to a sports massage without the price tag.
Today I will be having a Yoga class at 5:30pm at Duvalla Avenue and I will be rolling some of you beauts.. If you have any questions or would like to try out the roller shoot me an email or swing by for class! Have a great Tuesday dolls! Hope to see you this afternoon!
Loves,
Elizabeth (Lizzie Bananas)
elizabethupchurch@gmail.com
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Do Something Charlotte!
Hi Beauts!
So in my unending quest to live a happy, healthy, productive life I have found that a lot of my peers ask how I avoid happy hours, beerfests, and late night throwdowns, and still have a social life. As I have gotten older those "good times" have become less appealing and I have found other interests that are not only entertaining but benefit the greater good of society. Spending your money and efforts in a way that helps bring hope to others while leaving you with a euphoric sense of worth is WAY better than spending time and money to pay your baristas rent leaving you with a massive headache from one too many Woo Woo Shots! This weekend in Charlotte there are many opportunities to get out there and DO SOMETHING inexpensive, clean, and fun!
For one, it's 1st Friday! All over the nation artists and gallerys celebrate the 1st weekend of every month by honoring featured artists with a gallery crawl of sorts! Where would you find such a thing in Charlotte?? Oh well, of course.. it would be in NoDa, Charlotte's Historic Arts District... admission is FREE and this week the Green Rice gallery is presenting creations by Jason Basden! He creates mixed media sculptures incorporating metal and mechanical findings. The street vendors of NoDa alone are worth taking a peak at, and I am always pretty intrigued by what Dialect and The Arthouse have on showcase!
Another idea to spend your Friday evening in the QC is attending an event where the proceeds benefit an organization in need. This weekend a couple of my friends are lending their talents and time and in part a few events have transpired - Beards BeCause began when two friends put forth a testosterone driven effort towards a feminine cause by raising money for a local battered women's shelter. Scott Doerr and Jared Yerg have raised thousands of dollars over the past 4 years for the United Family Services Shelter for Battered Women and have expanded their efforts to combat domestic violence to other cities, including Atlanta, Ga which kicks off their campaign this week as well! The fundraiser begins this weekend with the Clean Shaven Party on October 1st at 8 pm. The party will be held at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille and will have live music by Leadville Social Club and JT and the Dragpipes. There is at $10 donation at the door so come see what all the 'fuzz' is about ;)
Before you head to Dilworth Neighborhood Grille pop over to Blackfinn in the EpiCentre for another charitable event! Beginning at 5:30 pm this Friday the GALA Foundation is having it's first cocktail fundraiser to support the abused and neglected children of Mecklenburg County. As we all know the Charlotte Checkers are joining the AHL and tickets will be on sale for the opening game - $6 from those ticket purchases will go to the children as well as donations will be recieved all evening. Most importantly, a good friend of mine, Mike Bilfulco, will be playing live music at the event and that alone will be worth the trip!
Last but not least in the spirit of first fridays across the country, the Mint Museum opens Uptown this weekend! The Grand Opening event features 24 hours of festivities begining Friday evening at 5:00 pm for a ribbon cutting ceremony and includes tours of the new facility, films, an all night dance party (sponsored by our favorite gays of Takeover Friday), sunrise yoga, and a ton of hands on activities and demonstrations! $10 admission on Friday and open to the public on Saturday so pull an all nighter or pop over on Saturday and be a part of Art History at this groundbreaking event!
I hope you all are able to make it out and about on this cool October weekend! I personally can't wait to join the crowd and delve into what the city has to offer and what I can offer my city!
Loves,
LB!
So in my unending quest to live a happy, healthy, productive life I have found that a lot of my peers ask how I avoid happy hours, beerfests, and late night throwdowns, and still have a social life. As I have gotten older those "good times" have become less appealing and I have found other interests that are not only entertaining but benefit the greater good of society. Spending your money and efforts in a way that helps bring hope to others while leaving you with a euphoric sense of worth is WAY better than spending time and money to pay your baristas rent leaving you with a massive headache from one too many Woo Woo Shots! This weekend in Charlotte there are many opportunities to get out there and DO SOMETHING inexpensive, clean, and fun!
For one, it's 1st Friday! All over the nation artists and gallerys celebrate the 1st weekend of every month by honoring featured artists with a gallery crawl of sorts! Where would you find such a thing in Charlotte?? Oh well, of course.. it would be in NoDa, Charlotte's Historic Arts District... admission is FREE and this week the Green Rice gallery is presenting creations by Jason Basden! He creates mixed media sculptures incorporating metal and mechanical findings. The street vendors of NoDa alone are worth taking a peak at, and I am always pretty intrigued by what Dialect and The Arthouse have on showcase!
Another idea to spend your Friday evening in the QC is attending an event where the proceeds benefit an organization in need. This weekend a couple of my friends are lending their talents and time and in part a few events have transpired - Beards BeCause began when two friends put forth a testosterone driven effort towards a feminine cause by raising money for a local battered women's shelter. Scott Doerr and Jared Yerg have raised thousands of dollars over the past 4 years for the United Family Services Shelter for Battered Women and have expanded their efforts to combat domestic violence to other cities, including Atlanta, Ga which kicks off their campaign this week as well! The fundraiser begins this weekend with the Clean Shaven Party on October 1st at 8 pm. The party will be held at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille and will have live music by Leadville Social Club and JT and the Dragpipes. There is at $10 donation at the door so come see what all the 'fuzz' is about ;)
Before you head to Dilworth Neighborhood Grille pop over to Blackfinn in the EpiCentre for another charitable event! Beginning at 5:30 pm this Friday the GALA Foundation is having it's first cocktail fundraiser to support the abused and neglected children of Mecklenburg County. As we all know the Charlotte Checkers are joining the AHL and tickets will be on sale for the opening game - $6 from those ticket purchases will go to the children as well as donations will be recieved all evening. Most importantly, a good friend of mine, Mike Bilfulco, will be playing live music at the event and that alone will be worth the trip!
Last but not least in the spirit of first fridays across the country, the Mint Museum opens Uptown this weekend! The Grand Opening event features 24 hours of festivities begining Friday evening at 5:00 pm for a ribbon cutting ceremony and includes tours of the new facility, films, an all night dance party (sponsored by our favorite gays of Takeover Friday), sunrise yoga, and a ton of hands on activities and demonstrations! $10 admission on Friday and open to the public on Saturday so pull an all nighter or pop over on Saturday and be a part of Art History at this groundbreaking event!
I hope you all are able to make it out and about on this cool October weekend! I personally can't wait to join the crowd and delve into what the city has to offer and what I can offer my city!
Loves,
LB!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Goodbye Sweet Summertime
Good Morning Fit and Fab,
I hope that you are all feeling refreshed at the thought of moving into a new season. At 11:09 pm last night we said goodbye to Summer and hello to Autumn as the Harvest Moon shone brightly over us. I personally am thrilled to be moving on from summertime romances, white jeans (that are impossible to keep clean), and the temptation to be lazy by the pool everyday. Although the weather still reflects a mid-August mug, the mornings are cooler, the days are shorter, and October is right around the corner. What does this mean: FALL FASHION!!!!! Boots, clogs, denim leggings, huge leather bags, animal prints, and soft textured pieces! I personally wear what is in season no matter what the weather is, so as I have been pulling out my suede peeptoe pumps, black skinnies, and snake-print Nation T's. I prepare to break a mild sweat for the sake of fashion, and keeping up with those Fit and Fab women of The Big City! I can barely stand to flip through a magazine and see all of my favorite celebs up-to-date with Fall fashion and then step out into 90 degree weather and still see colorful dresses and Jack Rogers on all of my fellow Charlotteans... Please do not take that as a diss if you are rocking this look.. it is more my disgruntled mood towards the weather.. because I can guarantee you are much more comfortable than me :)... transition between seasons is always hard, expecially in our semi-tropic state of NC, but beginning to work in some fall pieces can be easy. All colors of gray will be in this season so begin to work in light grays with black or navy. Begin to add in texture weather it be a suede open toe bootie, leather handbags, or a braided belt or headband and then accessorize with color to create a versatile look that is moving towards next seasons styles. Rich jewel tones will be in for Fall and still have the light, carefree feel of your summer wardrobe. So pair a rich navy dress with a mustard yellow pump and a crossbody distressed leather handbag or wear a casual LBD (little black dress) with a cobalt blue scarf in your hair and a gray suede shoe. Whether it be nixing a bright patterned springtime dresses or saving your flip flops for a drop-in Yoga class.. begin to tie in more structured pieces, still lightweight, but start to move away from your summer staples.
As I have been helping people clean out their closets and make their flawless transition into Fall, it has been important to have a try on session with favorite, seasonally appropriate, pieces and see what still fits, how to accessorize it differently, and modernize the look. Things to keep in mind: 1) If it is in bad condition, unrepairable, then GET RID OF IT! 2) Alter everything - make a pile of denim, dresses, even workout clothing and take it to a tailor. So simple but will clean up any look and makes those pieces useful again. 3) Separate your basic dresses from your specialty pieces and make an effort to wear these as much as your DVF's, Trina's, and Tibi's.. It is always easy to pull out a dress with a pattern and go but those patterns become recognizable and can easily make your look dated. If you accessorize your basic dresses with color and texture it will modernize and refresh your look, creating versatility and creativity into your wardrobe. If you have any questions or need help sorting through your options for Fall then please let me know. The task is much easier, and less overwhelming, if you have a little professional help ;)
Happy Cashmere Season Beauts!
xoxo,
LB
Elizabeth
I hope that you are all feeling refreshed at the thought of moving into a new season. At 11:09 pm last night we said goodbye to Summer and hello to Autumn as the Harvest Moon shone brightly over us. I personally am thrilled to be moving on from summertime romances, white jeans (that are impossible to keep clean), and the temptation to be lazy by the pool everyday. Although the weather still reflects a mid-August mug, the mornings are cooler, the days are shorter, and October is right around the corner. What does this mean: FALL FASHION!!!!! Boots, clogs, denim leggings, huge leather bags, animal prints, and soft textured pieces! I personally wear what is in season no matter what the weather is, so as I have been pulling out my suede peeptoe pumps, black skinnies, and snake-print Nation T's. I prepare to break a mild sweat for the sake of fashion, and keeping up with those Fit and Fab women of The Big City! I can barely stand to flip through a magazine and see all of my favorite celebs up-to-date with Fall fashion and then step out into 90 degree weather and still see colorful dresses and Jack Rogers on all of my fellow Charlotteans... Please do not take that as a diss if you are rocking this look.. it is more my disgruntled mood towards the weather.. because I can guarantee you are much more comfortable than me :)... transition between seasons is always hard, expecially in our semi-tropic state of NC, but beginning to work in some fall pieces can be easy. All colors of gray will be in this season so begin to work in light grays with black or navy. Begin to add in texture weather it be a suede open toe bootie, leather handbags, or a braided belt or headband and then accessorize with color to create a versatile look that is moving towards next seasons styles. Rich jewel tones will be in for Fall and still have the light, carefree feel of your summer wardrobe. So pair a rich navy dress with a mustard yellow pump and a crossbody distressed leather handbag or wear a casual LBD (little black dress) with a cobalt blue scarf in your hair and a gray suede shoe. Whether it be nixing a bright patterned springtime dresses or saving your flip flops for a drop-in Yoga class.. begin to tie in more structured pieces, still lightweight, but start to move away from your summer staples.
As I have been helping people clean out their closets and make their flawless transition into Fall, it has been important to have a try on session with favorite, seasonally appropriate, pieces and see what still fits, how to accessorize it differently, and modernize the look. Things to keep in mind: 1) If it is in bad condition, unrepairable, then GET RID OF IT! 2) Alter everything - make a pile of denim, dresses, even workout clothing and take it to a tailor. So simple but will clean up any look and makes those pieces useful again. 3) Separate your basic dresses from your specialty pieces and make an effort to wear these as much as your DVF's, Trina's, and Tibi's.. It is always easy to pull out a dress with a pattern and go but those patterns become recognizable and can easily make your look dated. If you accessorize your basic dresses with color and texture it will modernize and refresh your look, creating versatility and creativity into your wardrobe. If you have any questions or need help sorting through your options for Fall then please let me know. The task is much easier, and less overwhelming, if you have a little professional help ;)
Happy Cashmere Season Beauts!
xoxo,
LB
Elizabeth
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)