Health and Fitness: Green Machine

Recently I’ve been obsessed with a green smoothie. Yes, you read that right! IT’S GREEN! I don’t know if it’s the color or the taste, but this smoothie has got me going bananas! It honestly takes a few minutes to make and it’s super healthy for you! The green smoothie has many great benefits including weight loss, digestive health, and it even helps support the immune system. After a couple of weeks you’ll have glowing skin, hair, nails, even eyes get brighter! Who doesn’t want that? The only things you need is a blender and the following ingredients:

•             ½ cup of frozen mango
•       ½ cup of frozen peaches
•       1-2 fresh or frozen banana
•       Handful of spinach
•       Water
•             Ice (optional)

All you need to do is all the fruit and washed spinach into your blender. Fill the blender up with enough water for the blender to blend, a few ice cubes if you like your smoothies super thick, blend, pour, and enjoy your super healthy beneficial smoothie! You can also substitute the mango and peaches for any other frozen fruit of your choice! This is one of the most inexpensive, filling snacks out there! So go grab your blender and make your glowing green smoothie! bone appétit!

xoxo

~Alicia and Abby

Health: Moisturizing Miracle

A few days ago while looking through crazy pictures we took with clothes from the back of my closet I lamented the oily appearance of my skin in the photos. Flash forward to the end of the night when Alicia and I stood in front of my sink performing our nightly face washing rituals...

Alicia: Can I borrow some moisturizer?

Abby: Moisturizer? I don't use it, my skin is oily enough as it is I don't need any more!

Alicia: WHAT?

Alicia launched into a complicated scientific explanation that basically boiled down to my revelation: The one thing I thought would elevate my skin problem from slightly shiny to full on greaseball was actually the solution!

I pulled out an old bottle of Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion from the depths of my medicine cabinet and just 3 short days later I can see a difference!

I used to wake up to a disgustingly oily face, wash it then use various mattifying creams and powders to quell the oiliness throughout the day. Now I wake up with a reasonably matte finish to my skin and an overall healthier glow!

It's amazing how something so simple has ended a personal vendetta against my skin!

It may take your skin a few days to adjust, but if you previously lost faith in your moisturizer it might be time to pull it out and discover what was missing in your daily skin care regimen!

xoxo

~Abby and Alicia

Fitness: Jumping Rope

    I have recently been trying to work on my fitness and really just trying to get into shape. Im in pretty good shape, but I'm always pushing myself! I have more strength then some, but when it comes to cardio i fall flat! I just with my stomach would do the same! I have recently been really into jump  roping after seeing a small image about it in COSMO! Its a great way to get in your cardio and strength, all while staying in the cool air conditioning and without the awkward looks from strangers!

What is jumping rope all about?


    Jumping rope can burn up to 1000 calories per hour, making it one of the most efficient workouts possible. It tones muscles in the entire body. Jumping rope also optimizes cardiovascular conditioning and maximizes athletic skills combining agility, coordination, timing, and endurance. So basically its like running without the need for a nice place to run, or a treadmill! Your knees with also thank you, because jumping rope causes lass impact that running does!


What muscle groups does jumping rope benefit?


 Jumping rope will do wonders for your calves, quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes (i.e. your butt). What you may not realize, however, is how the constant turning motion of the rope will also shape and tone the entire upper body including your chest, back, deltoids (shoulders), forearms, biceps and triceps. So its pretty much an all over workout! 


Is it good for weight loss?


One of the most important ways that jumping rope can be used is as a means to achieve weight loss. It help burn extra calories which is the main way you loose weight!

What you need?


  First things first... you need a jump rope! I personally prefer a jump rope that has a plastic or plastic covered rope. YOu can also get one with removable weights for an even better workout. Mine is from Dicks, and cost around $5! (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3972084&cp=4406646.4413986.4417719) You're also going to need a 4x6 space, or something so you don't have to worry about getting your rope getting caught on anything. Also make sure you have a tall ceiling! All thats left are some good athletic shoes and workout attire!

As you can see, jumping rope is great for you! What are your favorite ways to workout?

xoxo

~Alicia and Abby