2013 - The Year To Get Fit

Some of the new years resolutions I have for 2013 have been around, sitting there unticked for a few years now.  Funny enough - GET FIT.  FOR REAL. - hasn't been on there for a few years.  This is because I was either pregnant, or knew I was going to get pregnant again soon (I've had 2 kids in less than 3 years) so the motivation wasn't really there.  Now there are no excuses.  I am done with the babies thing and want my body back. Please?

I recently found this website that I thought I would share.  It's called The DailyHiit and it's an amazing free fitness website that promotes working out right in your living room (or you can download the free app to take the workout anywhere).  Hiit stands for High Intensity Interval Training and it's the main platform of the site.  What's great is a new workout video (max 12 minutes long) is uploaded daily.  So no excuses of getting bored or not finding the time.

Different type of workouts are available

Click here to check it out.

Ok, so to show how serious I am, I'm going to share my current weight with you. Ukh. Ok I weigh 68kg. And my goal is to weigh 62kg.  NO EXCUSES!

Happy new year to all :)



All images from http://www.bodyrock.tv

Wanna discover new cookbooks?

I love love love cookbooks.  I have a small collection that I am quite proud of, and one of my favorite things to do when I have some time to myself is to go to a bookstore and flip through new cookbooks that inspire me and get my mouth watering.  (On that note, for anyone who enjoys doing that and happens to be in London, you MUST check out Books for Cooks in Notting Hill, yes a whole shop of just cookbooks! Heaven!!) 


So back to my point. I've discovered the very cool Tournament of Cookbooks created by Food52. This is apparently the third year where 16 of the most popular cookbooks (of 2011) compete against each other for the sought after piglet award. The books are judged by 17 of the top food writers and chefs around, who really share their thoughts on the look and feel of the books, how the books inspire them as well as the success rate of some recipes they personally try.  There is a total of 5 rounds which gradually narrows down the competition to a winner.  Not only do you get amazing insights into these stunning books, but you also get insights into these food personalities that are judging the books.   

You can check out all the action here. I'm off to amazon to make a few orders now ;)

Fancy a good bite?

I've recently come across this site which is super helpful for any foodie who loves to travel.  The World's 50 Best Restaurants (there's actually top 100) is organised by Restaurant Magazine and is a list that's been compiled by over 800 industry experts including chefs and food critics.  So basically this is THE list.  The site also has regional spotlights, most recently on Peru and Singapore, where they dive into the culinary scene in those countries.  And you can also access past years' winners.  So next time you're about to jet off, check this out.  

The 2012 list should be out in April 2012.

My latest mommy crush

I've just come across this website and wanted to share.  I have a mommy crush on all the women featured.  The Glow basically features a few very stylish (and successful designer) moms and their kids.  They invite you to take a peek into their lives, they honestly share their experiences, their tips, their favorite kiddie gadgets etc.  Helpful and stylish at the same time! Check out how cool their kids look!! 
If you're a mom, or if you're about to be, you must check this site out.  


http://www.theglow.com

All images are from The Glow. 

Life + Times of a Legend

I'm subscribed to GOOP, which is a newsletter in which Gwyneth Paltrow shares things she's interested in, whether it's tips on her favorite cities, recipes or reflexology.   I'm a fan as it offers useful tips and information, but the real reason is that it gives me an insight into GP's life and what she likes, the places she as a celebrity would recommend and so on.  That's the truth. So when her latest newsletter announced Jay-Z's website which does his version of the same thing, I was really interested to have a look. Life + Times is a website where he shares things that "peak his interest" in a variety of subjects from leisure to sports to music.  It's cleverly and beautifully designed and actually has some great content. Even if you're not really a Jay-Z fan, you can't deny his influence on the hip hop culture or his business savvy.  This guy is just huge. So have a look. There's a Sade song remix that features the man himself that I've never heard before, it's beautiful.

A new online magazine!

I've posted before (click here) about how much I love digital magazines so I was really excited to check out Trad Home.  It's a collaboration of two very successful interiors magazines, Lonny (a great online magazine) and Traditional Home (a traditional publication).  There are tonnes of fancy tips and inspiring images to sink your teeth into. My favorite article in this premiere issue is "10 Things my mother told me" where designers tell you which design tips their mums gave them that they've broken.  Enjoy.

Beautiful Ballet

I was still 'Black Swan' entranced when I came across this post on one of my favorite blogs, Pomegranate and Patchouli, and thought I would share.  They are photos taken from the Ballerina Project. Check out their site.


"The Ballerina Project grew from the idea of New York City as a magnet for creativity; each photograph is a collaborative work of dance, fashion design and photography played out against the city's landscape."


Totally stunning!!

A clever way to shop

I'm really excited to share this with you.  Yet ANOTHER way to shop!  And, check this... brought to you by the masters of the universe as we know it today - Google.  Boutiques.com was launched last month, and I can't wait to see how big this thing will be. This is how they describe the site:

The way it works is that you create an account or a boutique.  You get asked a few questions about your personal style, which is not only fun, it also gets you thinking about what kind of look you really aspire for.  After you answer these questions, the google geeks (who we love of course) generate a selection of pieces that fit your style.  Ta da!!   You can then browse through them to shop (direct links to retailers) or save them as a sort of wish list for yourself and to showcase your style to others.  You can also browse the boutiques of others, including celebrities like the Olsen twins, Olivia Palmero and Nicole Richie as well as designers, retailers, fashion bloggers and other trend setters from all over the place.  You can also follow people, or have your own followers a la Twitter.  So if you like Polyvore (which you must if you love fashion), you will love this.  


I'm sure this site will keep improving and offering more unique services with time, but for now, go and play :)

Digital Wonders

How clever is this concept of an online only magazine? I'm not sure how long they've been around, but I've recently discovered them and think they are awesome. I get to flip through them just like a regular glossy, I can zoom in, I can click on whatever interests me and I'm immediately directed to it's retailer or designer (a marketer's dream!), it's usually free and not that I'm a tree hugger, but it's environmentally friendly! Of course a big factor for the creators of these magazines is their understanding of the new social media landscape, so lots of talented bloggers get featured which makes the content all the more real.

Here are a few you can check out.

Fashion & Lifestyle:

1. Glossy Magazine - Fashion magazine from London, need I say more?


2. Cellardoor Magazine - Fun read with beautiful fashion and great interviews.
3. Antler Magazine - Fashion, Design and Photography all presented beautifully.

Kiddies:

1. Small Magazine - Covers fashion, crafts, kid friendly recipes, and showcases stylish toys.
2. Papier Mache - Scope out the coolest in kid's fashion and decor while enjoying stunning photography.




Home Decor:


1. Rue Magazine - this magazine has just been launched by two bloggers. You go girls!


2. Lonny - Started by two former Domino staff, this magazine is full of great ideas.

Food & Entertaining:

1. Sweet Paul Magazine - A spin off from Paul Lowe's successful foodie blog Sweet Paul. Yum!

2. Nesting Newbies - Recipes and tips from professional chefs and bloggers too.

Some help for the high chair

Yousef is now 11 months old, and we're both now trying to move on from boring purees and mashed food.  In a way, it's a relief to know that I can now count him in for most of what I cook at home, but it's also been a bit confusing.  See I normally cook (adult food) 3 or 4 times a week, and it's not necessarily baby friendly.  Now I suddenly need to have fresh, healthy dishes prepared almost everyday.  Of course I will be freezing some portions or making one off sandwiches for the little one too...  So for the last couple of weeks, I've been trying to get creative with what I can make for Y, I've been asking friends, looking through my old recipes and checking out what's online.  That's when I found Weelicious.  This is a blog by a culinary school grad, used to be a model, mom of two.  It's super helpful!  I love it because the recipes are very simple and quick, and can be appreciated by the whole family.  So if you find yourself in my situation, not knowing what to feed your little one, or your partner even... check this site out.


Here are images of some of the recipes I can't wait to try.

Noodle Pancakes

Roast Vegetable Pasta Sauce

Deviled Egg "Chicks"

Yum!!

What? Shopping can be even MORE fun?

If you love fashion you HAVE to check out Polyvore.com


This is an awesome awesome site.  If you love to shop online or if you want to find inspiration and see what real trendsetters are into, then this is the place.   And it's so simple!  Basically it's a virtual styling tool for anyone who feels like putting a look together.  You can mix and match any item from any online store and make a beautiful collage that's called a 'set' that you can share with others.  It's functional, it's fun and from an ex-marketer's point of view, it's genius.


Here's an example of a set I created in literally 10 minutes:

Party Pretty by dkadhim featuring L.A.M.B. sandals

Items in this set:
Hummingbird-print silk-chiffon gown, $540
L.A.M.B. Valora Heel - Blue Suede, $300
Knot Lucertola Clutch - Pink, $1,980
Smoky Quartz Chandelier Earrings, $315
Multi-Gemstone Ring with Diamonds 3.15 ctw in 14K Yellow Gold - My..., $130

So other people can look at this set and buy any item on there!


Here's a set I loved from another Polyvore member:

Fabrics by floreandra featuring Lanvin necklaces

Items in this set:
Turquiose & Taupe Short Frill Paisley Dress, $440
Black and White Basic Fashion Under $500 - Bazaar.com
Amazon.com: Cappelli BA2117 Waxcord Shell Shoulder Bag: Clothing, $34
Chain Wrap Denim Bangle, $5.80
Lanvin Pom Pom Necklace, 345 GBP

Enough said.


I will occasionally be sharing my own sets or those of others I like.  In the meantime, start shopping!