Fitness Friday: Buddy System

I picked up this month’s Seventeen magazine to see Belinda Selene, but was in for a double-extra treat:

Courtesy Seventeen magazine

Another TIU! routine on-the-scene!

Courtesy Seventeen magazine

 Having exercise partners gives us added boosts of motivation and energy!

Courtesy Seventeen magazine

K&K have come a long way since I featured them back in the day!

Workout Wednesday: Double Duty

Since most of my energy and time are being spent on my dissertation, I’ve minimized my exercise

Sweaty Selfie: Shake Weight catches my reflection as I put in some action!

Yet I still fit it in

No need for the gym ~ I’ve got the gear that I need here, while sporting my fave teams: Dallas Mavericks * Dallas Cowboys * Texas Rangers

As I catch up on chores

As I dust my dresser that have decor, I also display jewelry and photos that I score!

Both inside the house

More ♥love♥ to bedazzle

And outdoors!

More watches to witness my fitness + parabands that my student’s son made for his how-to speech

My favorite physical activity:

Home for my chunky floral pearl statement necklace to ☼brighten☼ my vanity after ☼summer☼

Dancing!

Purrfect spot to sport my Double A-Team‘s collars complete with their St. Francis of Assisi + *Dallas Mavericks* & *San Antonio Spurs* medals (YES, speaking of bball, that is a Kobe Bryant card here)

I also ♫sing♪ to work out those vocal chords!

Wow, speaking of black & gold, my students‘ homecoming is coming up …

Therefore, both my body and soul are refreshed!

Beauty Tuesday: BTS Hacks

‘Cause I have your back!

This Back-to-School season, check out my super saver tips for time, money and the Earth plus even your sanity …

Set out:

• weekly wardrobe ~ clothes, jewelry, hair accessories, handbags, etc. (hang on a rolling rack or dedicated space to designate) #OOTDforDays
• anything else that you need to get ready ~ especially your keys, in the same spot, and also specific hair tools & products, makeup, nail colors

Always check the weather forecast and have a back-up plan if an unexpected natural circumstance arises

Sleep in:

• braids ~ so you could rock waves the next day!
• workout gear ~ so you could run as soon as you wake up (TIU‘s K&K‘s Karena also vouches for this in Beach Babe 3‘s ☼Morning☼ Motivation segment)!

This has worked for me on a couple of different situations:

1. when I had my fitness classes 1st thing in the AM in college
2. when I worked at my hometown gym and exercised before work

Speaking of ♫working on my fitness, he’s my witness♪ {Fergie‘s Fergalicious}…

Be Prepared  {Boy Scout motto}

• stash sneakers in your vehicle ~ so you have no excuse for a fun run on-the-go
• pack change clothes ~ from working out to reporting to work or vice versa

This has worked for me on a few different situations:

1. when I hit the base gym before and after work after I graduated from college (YES, 2-a-days)
2. when I hit the university gym during lunch with my boss during graduate school
3. when I hit the college gym between classes that I taught
4. when I had my photography gig at the hospitals (during which I’d sometimes fit in a work workout) before teaching at the College or ministering at Church

Bearing this in mind, make sure to pack

• hygiene products (i.e., dry shampoo, deodorant) ~ do your best to fit in a quick shower if there’s a locker room
• dental hygiene products (i.e., floss picks, gum, mints) ~ so your breath doesn’t kick

I actually store deodorant and mini perfume bottles plus packs of gum in most of my purses plus my compact bag that I transport when I switch handbags

DON’T forget to eat! ~ Mami Aya + many Pinay & caring moms everywhere

• double-duty edibles ~ such as coconut oil to substitute fatty oils in recipes plus is my favorite hair conditioner and also moisturizes skin, as well as removes makeup (according to The Sweet Life)
• handy healthy snacks (not fast food) ~ such as apples, grapes (I dig mine fresh or frozen), pears ~ the pear or apple crisp can trigger brain juice flow, don’t ya know #DISPObustAFlow
• chill your coffee ~ since I don’t drink as much for heartburn prevention, I store the rest in the fridge until the next day

Stylin’ Sippie Selfie: Reppin’ my *Dallas Cowboys* after last night‘s victory to kick off NFL season: Go, Big Blue … in Checkered & Houndstooth!

Transitioning between seasons from cold cups to hot tumblers …

*Star* Quality: Starbucks Anniversary Collection Houndstooth Double-Wall Traveler Ceramic Mug was worth the investment for yours truly (as long as I don’t drop it ~ no jinx, please) because I ♥love♥ the look and can save a few cents every time I refill it … (I also adore the same-style Swarovski Crystal one from this season’s collection because I wear Swarovski from head to toe, but c’mon: I’m a doc candidate on a tight budget ~ so I’ll keep admiring from afar)

• tote reusable containers ~ mine from Starbucks saves me 10-cents per use and conserves resources (great for my next craving, this flavor-of-the-day: the Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino to redeem my latest Gold Card Reward*)

The navy blue & gold go well with my dissertation defense dress!

1-Stop Shop

Target showcases its own products in renditions of Vogue** covers from this past century

• My everything store is Target because it offers decent prices on clothing ~ including my designer collab limited editions ~ as well as home goods, some groceries, and is my personal fave place for gift registries

You too can check out these Target en Vogue** photos by scoring a copy and scanning with your Shazam app

• I’m also a CVS patron for Beauty and ExtraCare Bucks Rewards*
  

  I picked up this month’s Vogue** while grabbing some monthly & quarterly essentials

☼Sunshine☼ Time

• Get a daily dose of Vitamin D (as weather permits) ~ for health & happiness

Taking a breezy breather from my dissertation in the backyard to thumb through Vogue** in ☼serenity☼

Just make YOU Time

• Lately, my pleasure reading getaways have been simpler to prevent brain burnout (i.e., pictures for eye candy) ~ so no information overload in this rotation

Perfect coffee table or night stand literature ~ when I need a break from my dissertation, these are my latest go-tos: the original Cupcakes and Cashmere (prequel to Cupcakes and Cashmere at Home that I have in eBook form) and this month’s 800+-page Vogue** (glossy inspirations of this season’s styles)

More than Scrub in the Tub

• ♪sing♫ in the shower ~ so cliché, but as someone who needs a nice-sounding voice for teaching, defending my dissertation, and most of all: ministering (leading in readings, prayers and song) at Mass, I must warm up my ♫melody♪
• stay fit as you suds up ~ stretch (with caution) as you reach for body parts to clean, and if you’re seated during a bath, I strongly suggest doing water pilates (think table top position with head and feet raised for resistance as you move)

†Pray† at Any Time of the Day

• No believer is ever too busy to †pray† ~ even if we can’t take a ½ hour or full hour to meditate, at least devote a few to several minutes or even †pray† before, during and/or after your activities (my Rosary begins my days, and playing the ♪song♫ jump-starts it!)

* Rewards = another way to $ave (discount$ & FREEbie$)

These guidelines will save you in the long one ~ not only for the aforementioned reasons, but also from embarrassment (i.e., killer breath, B.O.) if you run into someone later… We don’t want to be Finch from the American Pie movies who had to go home from school every time he had to release his macchiato! You’re welcome.  ✌

Happy ☼Birthday☼ to my ♥Tita Fe♥, a.k.a. Dr. Reyes-Dollete, & HBD to my BFF Bestie SSG Melody!

^– Let this **Vogue ♪jam♫ ♫pump you up♪ today!!! –^

As ♫Madonna♪ sings:

♪That’s why I feel so beautiful♫

Workout Wednesday: VA is for …

Viral Vital Active Apparel!

Exercise experts’ whose limited editions that I follow:

Winning wear from Blogilates! How oGorgeous is this? #BeYOUtiful

• Blogilates‘ oGorgeous & BODYPOP
• Joanna Soh‘s Fit & Feminine
• K&K‘s Tone It Up! 

TIU from head to toe!

Woman Crush Wednesday *Bonus* Move to +Add+ to the Mix:

Calf Raises for Legs like Lifetime‘s Devious Maids‘ Dania Ramírez (20 reps each set as follows ~ feet shoulder width apart):

• Toes facing forward
• Toes facing inward
• Toes facing outward

Stand on tippy-toes to raise calves, then release on balls of feet

You can do these while watching Season 3 (which aired its finale 2 weeks ago) episodes!

For upper bod and core, take it down to the floor to score more!

Beauty Tuesday: Fine Online

Special delivery: Introducing the Sweet Pea (I ♥love♥ the name ~ same as my *True Blue Pit Bull* may she ✌R.I.P.) satchel from the MARKKIT BelindaSelene Collection …

As a birthday treat to myself

I absolutely ♥adore♥ the sleek shine of the patent blush & smooth texture of the taupe suede … all in vegan leather #GoodForTheEnvironment (I also dig the packaging & tags in Tiffany blue + complimentary candy ~ pleasant sweet surprises ~ to add to my desk)

I added to my wardrobe from my YouTube gurus’ collections:

The gold handle hardware matches up w/my gold wristlets complete w/satin polka dotted lining w/a large zipped pocket in the inside back + handy-dandy compartments to store keys, lipstick, etc. Carries well w/the adjustable crossbody & double snaps above zipper closure ~ what appealed to me the most initially was the bowling bag shape! This’d go great with the CK colorblock dress from my Nanay!

• Belinda Selene‘s Markkit Sweet Pea satchel (blush patent vegan leather handbag)

Special Delivery today … Oh, snap as I call my stats a wrap! Stats Cat wants to get in on the pacatge wrap!

• Anna Akana‘s *Ghost & Stars* Taylor Swift midi dress (navy gingham)

This navy blue & white number would pair well with the Sakroots crossbody that Mami Aya gave me for my bday!

I must’ve scored the last 1 because it no longer stayed in stock the day after!

Soon-to-be Bday Grrrl Sweet Annie‘s easy to please: w/her squirrel tail & her likewise squirrel tail toy + dress packaging!

♪ #WeNeverGoOutOfSTYLE ♫

Speaking of ♫T-Swift, here’s her rendition of Friends‘ Phoebe’s ♫Smelly Cat♪ ^– check it –^

Workout Wednesday: GSA is for …

Gwen Stefani🎤 Abs & her Gun🔫 Show Arms💪🏽

This No Doubt singer rocked out her voice🎵 & her bod🏄 (i.e., classic crop tops in the mid-90s to expose midriffs) 2 decades ago with her breakthrough 📀single, I’m Just a Girl🚺* ~ which is featured on

• My fave freshman 🎬movie, Clueless (1 of the 1st scenes ~ during Cher’s 🚗driving)
• Period 🎧Playlist📻 (popularized from 🎥No Strings Attached)

Gwen Stefani the *HOTTIE*

Regardless of reports on her separation from Gavin Rosdale of Bush, this 🎼rockstar’s still got it ~ from raising 2 boys, still singing🎶 amazing solo or otherwise & looking dayum good + influencing fashion👛 (i.e., her iconic 👑bindi) including super shoes👢 like stilettos👠

How does she stay so 👙svelte? Where does she seek her sweet escape for a hot physique?

📺Take a look👓 for yourself: she does mad push-ups! 🚻*

Push-ups are the ultimate toning move because they work your upper bod & core stability for strength & balance!

Gwen Stefani can work her body

Check out Gwen‘s form …

… All the way down, nose to the ground!

I dare you to do these pushUPs to ♫Settle DOWN♪ ~ the 1st No Doubt single after she flew solo for awhile

🙅🏻Rough ‘N’ Tough👊🏽 Recommended Routine: 100 GSAs (Gwen Stefani Abs & Arms) = 100 Push-Ups {20 reps each of the following}

• Full Plank Chest Push-Ups
• Full Plank Tricep Push-Ups
• On-Your-Knees Chest Push-Ups
• On-Your Knees Tricep Push-Ups
• On-Your-Knees Super Push-Ups 💥

Gwen Stefani up & ready …

… Set …

… Go!

Gwen Stefani kicks some serious booty!

📖Definitions for the Definition

• Full Plank: on palms & toes
• Chest: wide grip 👊🏽
• Tricep: narrow grip 👐🏽
• On-Your-Knees + ankles crossed 🙅🏻
• Supers: clap as you push up 👏🏽

👋🏽Hollaback👊🏽, Girl! This $#!+ is bananas ~ B-A-N-A-N-A-S🍌 

♫Gwen Stefani‘s 4am♪ ~ I’ve been staying up ’til 4am🕓 working on my dissertation lately & want to cut my hair like hers after I graduate & donate!

11:11 ~ make a Bday/BTS wish!!! ✌

Workout Wednesday: POP ’em Abs

Cassey Ho knows how to make fast fab abs, but this Dispo must melt the flab!

Even though I’ve scored a strong core, how can I show it off when the muscles may lay beneath fat layers?

Now I have both Blogilates official DVDs: the Original & Flat Abs Fast!

As I’ve done many techniques to tone up my tummy and slim those obliques, I’ve added this newest DVD to my mix:

 

I swear: I have more than enough exercise moves from Blogilates to last me all year ~ I must make the time to do them!

Cassey Ho took this ab blast to the beach!

This packaged deal promotes 3 10-min. routines:

• Total core
• Lower back
• Obliques

This *oGorgeous* face is *POPpin’* over the place

• the ☼beach☼
• †wedding† prep
• ♥V-Day♥ hype
• NO-flab collab
• MORE fab ✌collabs✌

(: POP Pilates for miles & smiles 🙂

Workout Wednesday: Beach Beast Mode

You can take the babe🏄🏽 out of the 🏊🏽beach, but you can’t take the beach🌊 out of the 💃🏽babe!

Thanks to Tone It Up‘s “Meet Up” on Toned Up, these moves can keep us in 🌴beach shape👙 off the seashore!

No need for ♫☼Summertime☼ Sadness♪ as school starts soon ~ more like 🌅Summertime🌼 and 🍎School🎓 Sappiness!

🏊🏽Skinny Dip: tris * abs * booty (tricep dip)

🏄🏽Body Surf: glutes * hams (hamstring curl)

🐳Dolphin: shoulders * tris * core (downward dog push-up)

🏄Surf’s up ~ in more ways than 1 fun in the sun! 👍

Sunday Fun Day: B is for …

As applies to yours truly:

Brains + Brawn / Buff Bod / Beast + Beauty = Badace♠!

Add this comic relief to the mix:

So, B also is for Beer!

Above, this “expert” brings up valid points!

Workout while getting dolled up!

• Lunges & squats while blowdrying my hair {1 set = 1 stance}
• Curls: hold dumbbell and work bicep toward you with one hand, hold curling iron and style hair with the other! {1 set = 1 strand}
• Extensions: hold dumbbell and work tricep behind your head with one hand, hold mascara wand and extend lashes with the other!
• Abs: lay on mat/soft surface and lift legs with core and lower back while keeping arms at your side to dry your nails!

No brainer, am I right?

Makeup moves WON’T work in a car if you must hold up your phone/mirror/compact with your other hand {as a passenger ~ NOT while you’re behind the wheel}

Seriously, though, you may not want to try this at home unless you’re extremely coordinated and can master multi-tasking!

We workers and scholars all can witness our fitness at our desks ~ which I’ve had my students do during long class breaks:

• Neck rolls clockwise and counter-clockwise
• Shoulder rolls forward and backward
• Arm circles forward and backward
• Leg extensions (quads) while seated
• Leg curls (hams) while standing
• Stretches ~ to ease ergonomic tension
• Jumping Jacks ~ for ♥cardio♥ to bring the blood flow to the brain

#DISPObustAFlow

S is for … ☼Sunday☼ Sippy Selfie Somewhat Throwback: South Padre Island for my homecoming en el Valle! ¡Salud!

So, I suggest the second series during study sessions and when you tune into your TV!

#NOexcuses + #NOcouchPotatos = #NOflabTaters

S is for … Sippy Selfie ☼Summertime☼ Sappiness Somewhat Throwback Thursday: Mango Paleta at Zoo on Field Trip with my ☼Summer☼ Speech *Superstar* Students!

For me, my peak-of-☼summer☼ primetime shows (new episodes all air at 8PM Central time) ~ during which I can do these sets of moves ~ include

• Sunday: Beach Flip (HGTV)
• Monday: Devious Maids (Lifetime)
• Wednesday: Property Brothers / Brother vs. Brother / Buying + $elling (HGTV)
• Thursday: Mistresses (ABC)

Fitness Friday: ADIDAS

All Day I Dream💭 About SOCCER⚽️

World Cup Champs! 🏆

After all, how’d I land my muscular legs?

Actually, although folks have pointed out how I could pass as a kicker, I didn’t play fútbol, but I’ve surrounded myself with many fellows who 💕💞💓💗💖💝love💟❤️💛💚💙💜 the game, including

• My military brat bestie ✈️  who luckily 💍married👰🏻 her soccer player/fan🏁  💒hubby💝 exactly 3y ago this mo
• My friends who photoed📷 me for my grad🎓
• My lil’ nephew ~ at least I got him started in soccer … + bball & vball!

F is for … Flashback Friday

Don’t use this peak 🌅summer🌻 😅heat💥 as an excuse not to kick around the ball. You may have an indoor field ~ just like the one in the city where I’m pursuing my PhD which is happens to be run by someone from my hometown (how’s that for a small 🌍world?)!

FYI: All Day I Dream About 💡Scholarship🏤 …

And I’m taking those steps👣 to follow through toward scoring my goal!

Just like in soccer!