Go Greek

It's the new year and I'm sure many of you have dedicated yourselves to a new fitness regime.  Good choice because healthy is sexy!

My workout routine involves plenty weightlifting. So I try to incorporate plenty protein into my diet to encourage muscle health and development. I know that there are claims that yogurt has plenty benefits for us ladies, but the perks go beyond that. Check out this Greek yogurt. It's low on calories and sugar, plus it's packing 12g of protein. Oh and it's tasty too. Be sure to read the labels if you decide to purchase because different flavors will have varying amounts of sugar and protein.

911 Beauty Kit

 

Considering that I am pretty much always in a rush, I am bound to forget something.  Even if you are a very punctual and organized person, beauty emergencies still tend to arise without warning. Therefore, an emergency beauty kit will definitely come in handy.  I have compiled a collection of 10 items that I feel are sure to come to your rescue.   

1. Deodorant, for those days that you slip on that black top and forget to apply afterward. 
2. A mint, to keep your breath minty fresh. 
3. Tylenol for a sudden headache or those awful cramps. 
4. An electric shaver for those unexpected visits to happy hour and you're afraid to take off your sweater because your top is sleeveless and you've got some stubble (the drama).
5. Well, a lint roller for obvious reasons.
6. Bobby pins to combat the effects of humidity or to spice up your hairdo for a dinner date.
7. Sewing kits are a must.
8. Red nail polish because it's sophisticated and bold enough to cover up chipped polish in most shades.
9. Lotion in a vanilla scent so it won't clash with any other fragrance you may be wearing. 
10. And finally a mirror so that you can admire your beauty. :)

Pack these items into a cute travel bag and store them in your car or somewhere at the office. 

 

Style Crave of the Day

It's Wednesday and I'm craving this Steve Madden Reactor heel in Black Leather.

As you may know by now, I am a Steve Madden fan.  Great designs at reasonable prices.  The studded detail on the heel adds some edge to the shoe, which is a turn on for me.  It also comes in a nice blush leather.  I need to add these to my closet soon. 

My Style Crave by ji-peri featuring steve madden sandals

Finding the Time to Stay Fit

I'm sure we all have the desire to be healthy and fit, but a common obstacle is finding the time to do it. As a working mother and wife with an unbelievably busy schedule, I know first-hand how difficult it can be to find the time to workout. But trust me, it can be done. You simply need to analyze your schedule and locate those few minutes of free-time. Do be warned, finding the time to stay fit may require some sacrifice, but it shouldn't be anything overwhelming.

Take our First Lady for example. Michelle Obama works out at 4:30am daily. I'm quite sure she's extremely busy, but she finds a way to make it work.

For all of you "morning people", this could work out perfectly for you. It would be a great start to your day and could provide you with a boost of energy. Now if you're anything like me and can't function to full capacity until about 8:30, then the early morning thing may not work well for you. Maybe you should consider some noontime cardio, an evening, or even nighttime schedule.

For the parents out there, you know that finding someone to keep an eye on the kiddos can be another challenge.  My husband and I were fortunate enough to find a gym that provides child care. If this doesn't exist in your area, then working out in or around your home could be perfect for you.  Thanks to programs like Zumba, P90X, and Insanity, to name a few, you can get your body in great shape right in the comfort of your own home.  It's all about creating and maintaining a schedule.  Just stick to it!

The time is there, you just have to find it.  

Sunday workout while my four year-old plays with his cousins and my 15 month-old takes a nap.
30 minute cardio on the treadmill and 3 sets of squats with dumbbells

Style Crave of the Day

It's Monday and I'm craving this MICHAEL by Michael Kors Astrid Large Satchel in Black.  

I love Michael Kors' handbags.  He offers some great designs at reasonable prices.  I must admit, I can be a trendy girl, but when making my handbag selections, I like to invest in looks that can take me through many seasons to come.  I wonder if it's too late to add this to my Christmas List?

Today's Style Crave by ji-peri featuring michael kors handbags

Celebrity Style at an Affordable Price

So, as it turns out, stars can also appreciate a good deal.  Vanessa Hudgens and Alessandra Ambrosio were spotted rocking the Moonlight Dress by For Love and Lemons.  The dress is really cute and each lady wears it so well.  Immediately one would think that these ladies paid a pretty penny for this item, considering what big celebrities they are.  Much to my surprise and great approval, I found this dress on Edge of Urge's website for only $186!

 

The common misconception is that in order to possess "celebrity style" one has to pay top dollars for an ensemble.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Now if splurging is your thing and you can afford it, I wouldn't dare tell you how to spend your dollars.  We all have our designer craves.  However, for the lady on a more modest budget, be mindful that there are perfect items out there for very affordable prices.  The key is to be creative when putting pieces together and always incorporate your personal style.  The brand of the item is irrelevant because the item doesn't come to life until you add your fierceness to it. 

Who said great style had to come with a big price tag?

Haute or Not?

Remember sack lunches?  Those folded, brown paper bags stuffed with a sandwich and other goodies?  Well meet the picnic lunch bag, with a twist! 
This picnic clutch was spotted on the runway at Celine's Spring 2013 show.

After doing a bit of research, I came across another version of the clutch which I assume is probably easier on the pockets.  These are a part of Marie Turnor's accessory line.  These can be purchased at Shopbop.

                 

 So what's the verdict?  Haute or not?