Let’s Talk: Amazon Prime Yoga Video Workouts

When I went to the MFAH Oscar de la Renta exhibit with a coworker and some of her friends, I heard the most amazing thing. Apparently if you have an Amazon Prime subscription, then you can watch a variety of instructional workout videos, including ones for Yoga. More than likely, I’m late to the game on this one but for those of y’all out there who also did not know about this–how awesome is that?!

Seeing as how one of my goals for 2018 was to start getting back into yoga (I took classes for a good while in Oregon but stopped when I moved back to Houston), I looked up the aforementioned videos on Amazon as soon as I got home. I have already tried out some of the Beginners Workout ones instructed by Erica Vetra and loved them. Even though you’re not in an actual class setting, it feels like you are with all the tips and suggestions on pose form that she supplies.

Yoga, and exercising in general, has always helped me when I have either been depressed (seasonal depression is real, y’all) or had low energy levels or even just felt a lack of self confidence. I know that I am not the only one who tends to struggle with issues like these. So, I have decided that on Wednesdays I will post about and discuss different wellness topics with you all. As of right now, I am undecided on how long I will keep these posts up but I do feel that it’s something that should be talked about.

Also, for those who, like me, have dealt with either depression, anxiety, or self esteem issues, I hope you find something that works for you like yoga does for me. If yoga does seem like an option that you’d want to try, be sure to check out my yoga essentials below and the yoga classes on Amazon Prime (much cheaper option than an actual class…just saying!).

Hope y’all have a lovely day!

-C

( Tank via JoyLab, Sports Bra via JoyLab, Zella High Waist Leggings via Nordstrom, Yoga Mat Cleaner Kit via Amazon, and Gaiam Yoga Print Mat via Amazon )

**And yes, I did include a yoga mat cleaner, because no one likes a gross yoga mat.

***The above leggings are over $50 but do know that Nordstrom is having a sale right, which includes a lot of their athletic gear. I got these high waist leggings from Nordstrom this past weekend for a little over $40 and love love love the cute marble pattern on them.

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How to Help Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey

Hello there!

I know it’s been a while since I last posted, but I have changed jobs and have also started on another chapter of my life. Needless to say–a lot has happened within the last month. This past week or so, though, has been especially crazy and not in a good way.

For those of you who may be checking out my blog for this first time, know that I am a native Houstonian who moved back to the city two years ago after having graduated from college in the Northwest. I am also very proud to be a Houstonian and Texan and love the area that I’ve always called home. Unfortunately, though, this past week has been difficult for us. Hurricane Harvey ravaged the Texas coast this past Friday and then went on to dump a record amount of rain over the Houston area resulting in massive flooding. Never have I seen such damage occur in my life to my hometown.

Fortunately for us, Texas is known as the friendly state so since Day One there have been so many people risking their lives to help one another. From the Coast Guard to the National Guard to the Red Cross to the Cajun Navy to even your neighbor out in his boat, everyone has lent a helping hand to those in need.

However, there is still a great need for money and resources to help those who have been severely affected by Hurricane Harvey and the flooding that came with it. Below, I have listed ways that those in state and out of state can help those who have been affected.

Here’s to getting the word out and remaining #HoustonStrong .

 

VOLUNTEERING LINKS

http://swamplot.com/the-best-way-to-find-out-which-hurricane-harvey-shelters-near-you-need-help-and-what-they-need/2017-08-29/

http://volunteerhouston.org/

 

DONATION LINKS

https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/hurricane-harvey-relief-fund/

https://secure.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.9534757/k.CB79/Hurricane_Harvey_Relief_Fund/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp

directrelief.org

https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation

http://www.houstonspca.org/

http://www.texasdiaperbank.org/

https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/get-involved/donate

https://www.homelesshouston.org/take-action/donate/

http://www.houstonfoodbank.org/

http://www.galvestoncountyfoodbank.org/

http://www.victoriafoodbank.org/

http://www.foodbankcc.com/

http://setxfoodbank.org/

http://www.foodbankrgv.com/

https://safoodbank.org/

https://www.youcaring.com/victimsofhurricaneharvey-915053

https://www.youcaring.com/victimsofhurricaneharvey-918107

 

TEXT TO DONATE

Text LOVE to 20222 to donate $10 to the Houston Humane Society.

Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross.

Text UWFLOOD to 41444 to donate to the United Way of Greater Houston flood relief fund.

 

PURCHASE TO DONATE

Proceeds from the sales of Magnolia Market’s Texas Forever tee through September 30th will be donated to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

Proceeds from the sales of Live Love Gameday’s Live Love Texas tee will be donated directly to the Red Cross.

Proceeds from James Avery’s Deep in the Heart of Texas charm sales through September 30th will be donated to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

 

*I will continue to update this list as more information is made available.* 

-C

 

 

 

 

 

Style to Admire: Kate Middleton

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As the Duchess of Cambridge, dressing well is of the upmost importance. However, not only does Kate Middleton dress well, she does it with a style that is uniquely her own.

Since her engagement to Prince William, the world has seen Kate favoring more classic silhouettes while giving them a more modern feel with a variety of pattern, color, fabric, and texture. I love the A-line dress silhouette that she favors, as it’s not only a classic shape but also one that is universally flattering (aka a style that many of us can copy while trying to look as fab as her!). With it being a classic shape, it can also easily be incorporated into any sort of lovely dress, whether it’s one of a fun and trending color (a la the Marigold Jenny Packham dress) or one that is a more classically patterned dress (a la the polka dot Dolce & Gabbana Dress).

It is also refreshing to see someone with a title embrace trends like the average woman. Floral prints that err on the more natural side have been quite popular this year and the Erdem dress that was worn for the Germany/Poland Royal tour is so lovely. The real start of the show, though, when it came to the fashions seen form the Royal tour had to be the Alexander McQueen red off the shoulder dress. I know many women have scoured the internet for something similar while hoping to find one that is lesser expensive.

What do you think of her style? Check out more Style to Admire posts here. 

Have a lovely weekend!

-C

Modern-day LBD | Happy Birthday Audrey Hepburn

 

“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it’s the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person.” -A.H.

When the majority of the world thinks of Audrey Hepburn they picture LBDs and all the movies that she starred in. I do, too; however, I also picture her in the role she played as a mother, mentor, and humanitarian.

Growing up, I first came to recognize her as a role model not because of the grace she carried herself with or her movies but because of all the work she did outside of the film studio. First and foremost, I learned how Audrey Hepburn was such a caring individual with a really big heart who always felt the need to give to and help others.

So as much as I credit a lot of my style choices due to having her as a role model, I’d also like to think that she taught me lessons on how to be a generous and loving soul.

-C

 

Dress: Joseph Ribkoff; Shoes: Donald Pliner (currently on sale!); Clutch: Sondra Roberts

Mid-laugh photo shot by Amy Barker Richards

Lovin’ Right Now: Sweater Details

 

Sweaters like these, with the coolest details, make me wish that mild temperatures were more common where I live.

Honestly, one week it’s in the 30s and the next it’s in the high 70s. If there ever were a state to be known for it’s ridiculous weather, it’d have to be Texas.

-C

 

( Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5, and Image 6)

Style to Admire: Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle has been in the limelight for a while now, with playing the role of Amy Jessup in Fringe and Rachel Zane in Suits. Like her character Rachel Zane–this lady has got some style!

With her newfound status as the significant other of Prince Harry, I’m sure we will be seeing more and more of her. Also, I always knew she had good acting chops and amazing style, but I recently found out about her humanitarian efforts in Africa (i.e. providing clean water, building new latrines for school aged children, and more).

Needless to say, I not only admire her style but also her work ethic and big heart. Definitely a woman that many could look up to.

-C

 

(Find more style inspiration here)

Style to Admire: Lucy Hale

 

If you’re one to browse the internet semi-endlessly in order to find someone whose style can inspire your closet–look no further than Lucy Hale.

Her outfits can be easily recreated by pieces you more than likely already have in your closet, which is such a good thing, as that doesn’t always happen when recreating a celebrity’s outfit. I also love how she pulls off current trends that you otherwise wouldn’t think a petite woman could, giving petite women like myself a little extra confidence when it comes to trying those trends. (Thanks girl!)

Happy FriYay!

-C

 

(Original photos found here)

Lovin’ Right Now: Velvet

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Velvet, like suede and leather, is one of the most versatile types of fabric out there.

Pair a velvet top with skinny jeans, cool booties, and circle frame sunglasses and you’ve got a chic modern rocker vibe going on. If you want to dress up a basic blouse, pair it with a cute velvet mini skirt (a la Karen Gillian) or cool velvet flares. I also love how a velvet dress can be sexy or chic, depending on the cut of it and how you accessorize it.

And for all you shoe lovers out there, velvet booties, pumps, mary janes, and boots are the IT shoe right now. So get them while you can because they’re going fast!

What are your thoughts on the velvet trend?

-C

 

(Images and their sources can be found here)

Perfect Illusion

 

Whether you love her or love to hate her–Lady Gaga is back and at it again!

For those who’ve followed this blog and my ramblings for a while now, you know that I am a fan of the Lady. So of course, I’m quite excited that she is working on a new album, and rumor has it that the wonderful Florence Welch (among many) is collaborating with her on it.

As for “Perfect Illusion”, it’s definitely a song that took a few listens for me to truly get into it. It is catchy, though, and I honestly see it as good workout song for when I hit the treadmill or even for riding around in the car.

-C

Style to Admire: Julianne Hough

Juliane Hough at Melrose Place.

 

If you’re needing a little inspiration as to the type of outfits you could be pulling from your closet for right now and this upcoming season, look no further than Julianne Hough.

I personally love her pairing of a dark blue dress with a black leather jacket and black booties, as I’ve always been one to think blue and black can totally go together. However, I also adore how she cuffed her bow tie wide legged trousers, which adds a little quirk to her overall simple and classic ensemble.

Who am I kidding?! I love it all! 🙂

-C

(Photo sources found here)