ESSENTIALS FOR AT HOME FITNESS
January 31, 2022
In the COVID era, home gyms are all the rage. You don’t need to go to a specialized studio to get in a session of yoga, or head to a gym with top of the line equipment to tally up your steps for the day. With the essentials on this list, the only thing you’ll need for a great workout is a willingness to get your sweat on.
Set of Weights
The gold standard for every gym is a weight set. Whether you keep it light at 5 - 15 pound dumbbells or go all the way up to 50, the most important part is that you stick to what works for you. Get a set with varying weights so you can work up to the heavier ones as you progress, but don’t push yourself before you’re ready.
A Thumping Sound System
What’s a workout without the tunes? No matter what you rock out to, the only way to listen is loud. A great sound system in the form of a simple bluetooth speaker or full on surround sound will take your workout to the next level. If you’re worried about noise complaints, swap out the sound system for a pair of headphones. Try a few different styles to see which feels the most comfortable, whether that’s a pair of earbuds or noise canceling headphones.
Yoga Mat
A yoga mat is a useful addition to any home gym, even if you’re not the zen type. They’re good for yoga, of course, but they’re also great for cooldowns and stretching after cardio and strength training exercises. You can get the standard size, or go extra large to give yourself more space, and take into account the amount of padding you want. A cushy mat is great for a little post-workout savasana!
Fitness Watch
You might be over fitness watches, but hear us out. There’s a good chance that you don't have a lot of insight into your fitness habits or health, and that blind spot can lead to a bit of complacency. A fitness watch can help spur you into action and give you that motivation you need to get up and get moving. Your options range from the simplest fitness trackers to full-on mini smartphones, so figure out what you want to get from your fitness watch and choose based on your needs.
One Versatile Piece of Equipment
Your home gym doesn’t need dozens of different exercise machines or fitness stations in order to be effective. In fact, you can more than get by with simple bodyweight exercises. But if you want something more, choose a versatile piece of equipment that you can use to target different muscle groups. Fitness benches are a great example of versatility, as are all-in-one gyms.
Your home gym is almost complete! Once you have these essentials, it’s time to gear up, stretch those underworked muscles, and hit the gym—from the comfort of home.
We all want our white shoes to look brand new and with the new season we bet you’ve tried lots of things. Everyone has their own idea of what keeps shoes clean, but what is the easiest way to get out sneakers to stay white? Here we’ve gathered our tried-and-tested methods to keep our shoes clean during the season. Using bleach : A good, surefire way to get rid of dirt and avoid any yellowing from store bought products is to use bleach. In a room with an open window, mix 1 part bleach, 5 parts water, dip a toothbrush and scrub your shoes. With warm water, rinse them and let them air dry overnight. Using baking soda: One of the best cleaning agents, baking soda only needs warm water and some white vinegar to get our shoes back to their original shade of white. Mix the baking soda, water and vinegar until you have a paste and cover the shoes with it. Leave them outside for a couple of hours and brush out the paste. They should be noticeably whiter afterward. Using shoe cleaner : Try a soft, natural cleaner that you can lather on top of your shoes. Let it work for 2 to 3 hours and then wash off with warm water. This option is free from harsh chemicals, so you can have the peace of mind that it isn’t going to cause wear and tear to your sneakers.
Nothing says fall more than jeweled tones and earthy hues. Want to give your wardrobe a seasonal update (or want to move into something more colorful than the standard neutrals? These are the colors of the season to pay attention to: · Fall leaves: Rusty, deep, burnt – these are all hues that work well with the traditional colors of fall. Reminiscent of changing leaves, deep red, orange, and yellow are that perfect transition color as you move from summer to fall – pair the colors with denim jeans to get into the autumn spirit. · Jewel tones: As temperatures cool, so should your wardrobe color scheme. Jewel tones of emerald, navy, garnet are all gorgeous hues for the season and they pair well with casual or chic pants for day or night. · Earthy colors: For those who prefer to stay more neutral (while adding a pop of color) earthy tones are a great way to achieve that. From terracotta and latte to dusty pink and taupe, this shade range looks spectacular with other classic pieces. Fall is a favorite season for many and with the variety of color options, it’s no wonder! Mix and match these colors of the season with pieces you already have to give your wardrobe a new, fresh feel.
Moving toward living more sustainably? Hate the idea of where leather comes from? You’re not alone, and thankfully there’s a solution that allows you to accessories with leather without feeling guilty about wearing it: vegan leather. What is ‘vegan leather’ exactly? In a nutshell, it’s a material made using sustainable materials and transformed into a product that looks and feels like leather. From fruit waste to cork, recycled plastic and materials such as polyurethane, designers and manufacturers can use a multitude of items to recreate leather. Designers are looking more to vegan leather as an alternative, which means it’s readily available for shoppers to purchase in a growing number of stores! Whether you’re looking for a gorgeous moto jacket or want a new handbag using eco-friendly materials, shopping for vegan leather is easier than ever. Vegan, or faux, leather is available in a multitude of stores in shopping stores across the country – check it out next time you’re out and you might be surprised at just how real it looks!
As summer begins to come to a close, the hottest weather is still going on! Summer is the best time of year for many and our tips to beat the heat will help you enjoy every last second! 1. Flowy Dresses A flowy dress is a perfect way to beat those warm summer days. Whether you want a midi dress or maxi dress, you can pick a fun color or pattern. A flowy dress will be cool and can be dressed up or down depending on whether you want to wear it for a casual day of errands or a date night. 2. Homemade Popsicles There is nothing better than a popsicle on a hot afternoon. Making homemade popsicles is extremely easy and you can make any flavor you want. All you will need is your popsicle molds, fruit, and a liquid of your choice whether that is water or fruit juice. You will put all of it into your popsicle mold and freeze it for several hours to enjoy a delicious treat! 3. Infuser Water Bottle Staying hydrated is one of the most important things during the summer. Although plain water can feel boring for some if you purchase an infuser water bottle you can flavor your own water however you wish! You can choose to add berries, cucumber, mint, or even lemon for a refreshing beverage. 4. Linen Shorts Linen shorts are a great addition to your wardrobe and are perfect for warm weather. The linen will feel breathable, and you can wear them for a weekend brunch or on your next tropical vacation. Pair them with a tank or bodysuit and throw on your favorite sandals for an easy, yet chic look. 5. Shaved Ice Machine Snow cones are a summer must-have and what is better than being able to make your own snow cones at home? Purchase an at-home shaved ice machine and enjoy this chilly treat whenever you want! You can purchase any flavor of syrups and create your own fun concoctions! These beat-the-heat tips will help you keep you cool and hydrated all summer long! Although the weather is warmer, some of the best memories can be made in the summer!
Once summer’s over, the countdown to the holidays is on! Don’t let it catch you by surprise – there are plenty of things you can do to get ready before the rush kicks in. Here are five ways to prepare early: Create a budget: Don’t overspend this year. Shopping last minute, when the stores are packed and shelves are bare, increases the chance of you overspending on things you might not have bought if you were prepared. This year, create a list and a budget and start shopping early so you avoid that massive mall rush. Clean up the house: Purging and getting rid of clutter is a great way to prepare your space for decorations. Starting in the fall, start looking for things to toss or donate so you have a clean slate once you’re officially ready to decorate. Book events or travel: Travel prices are already increasing, so if you plan on going anywhere for the holidays, book sooner rather than later. This also ensures you get a better deal and better choice of rooms or airplane seats. Don’t stress: It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of the holidays, but one thing you can do to get ready for the rush is to acknowledge that you’re taking things slower this year. Don’t overextend yourself or commit to too many things. Stock up on essential ingredients: When you’re making a holiday meal, the last thing you want to do is run out of butter. Or broth. Or any number of holiday ingredients. Start stocking up on non-perishable items in the weeks leading up to the holidays and make sure you’ve got plenty of perishables to get you through the holiday meals without an emergency store run! The rush toward the holiday season seems to start earlier every year! By embracing a few of these tips, you’ll no doubt find things less stressful (but more jovial!).
As the weather begins to cool off, you are probably preparing to pull out your winter coats. However, you might be wondering what to do when the weather isn’t quite cold enough for a heavy coat. Today, we are talking about the perfect light coat options for cool weather! 1) Leather Jacket A great leather jacket is a closet staple. Not only is it stylish, but it is the perfect option for a lightweight jacket that can transition to cooler weather. Leather jackets won’t provide a lot of warmth, but they are ideal for cool weather and chilly evenings as the seasons change! Leather jackets can be styled with denim, over a dress, or even with trousers, making them a versatile choice for any wardrobe! 2) Trench Coat Trench coats have taken the fashion world by storm in recent years and have made a huge comeback. They are lightweight and casual, which makes them a great choice for cooler weather. Trench coats can be styled with denim and tee for a casual look or over leather pants and a beautiful blouse for a more dressed-up outfit! 3) Blazer Blazers are something that can be worn almost all year due to them being lightweight. If you live in a warmer climate but want something to wear as the weather slowly changes, then a blazer is the best addition to your closet. You can find blazers in every neutral, choose to have a pop of color, or even in a pattern depending on your personal style! 4) Shacket Shackets are the perfect blend between a jacket and a shirt, which makes them lightweight and comfortable. Although they are a casual style of jacket, they are perfect to throw on to run errands or relax with friends! You can find a shacket in almost any color and they are perfect to put on over an athleisure outfit or denim and a tee. These light coats are excellent choices for cool weather and will help you stay warm until it is time to pull out the heavy coats for winter!
New trends will always show up in the fashion world and they are usually talked about as the seasons change. It is easy to want to keep up with the latest fashion trends but can be difficult to know what the best trends are to follow! Today we are going to round up our five favorite trends that we are embracing for Autumn and how to easily wear them yourself! 1) Baggy Denim Denim trends are some of the easiest to follow as you can find trendy denim on any budget. Oversized denim is a big trend for the upcoming season and can be styled in a variety of ways. If you want a casual look then pair them with a great graphic tee and sneakers or you can throw on a great bodysuit and heels for a dinner with friends! 2) Chunky Loafers When it comes to shoes, loafers are the biggest trend for cooler weather. They are a unique way to transform your entire outfit. Whether you want to have an edgier look with trousers and a graphic tee or pair the loafers with denim and a beautiful white button-down, you can easily wear loafers all season long! 3) Leather Everything Leather is typically something that people will steer towards in cooler months, but this year we are seeing more than leather pants and jackets. Leather is making an appearance in the form of leather dresses as well as leather blazers. Whichever style of leather you want to wear, it will be an edgy and fun addition to your Autumn wardrobe. 4) Brighter Colors Most of the time, we think of Autumn as the time to transition to dark colors, but this season brighter colors are making a statement for Autumn trends. The runways saw a lot of bright pink, but you can also pull in brighter blues and greens for a pop of color even in the colder weather! 5) Equestrian Themes You do not have to ride horses to incorporate the equestrian style into your wardrobe. Whether you want to wear an elbow-patch blazer or a herringbone jacket, you can absolutely incorporate the equestrian trend into your daily style. These Autumn trends can go from the runway to your closet with ease. Whether you are wanting inspiration for a casual outfit or something dressy to go out in, you can incorporate these trends into your daily style!
Socializing and dining just feels better outside. From gorgeous servingware to a variety of textures and colors, creating a welcoming and comfortable space for you and your guests is a must. Whether you’re revamping your space or starting from scratch, here are five things you need to have for your next backyard get-together: Drink dispenser: Don’t get stuck in the house filling everyone’s drink. Instead, set up a chic drink dispenser near guests and invite them to fill up themselves! Place tumblers or glasses nearby to make things easy on you and your guests. Games: Everyone loves a good game in the backyard. Limited space? Look for something like cornhole or a small putting green that can go on a walkway or driveway. Blessed with a larger yard? Bocce ball is the classic backyard game. Bluetooth speaker: A must at any outdoor gathering. Hook up your favorite streaming app to a Bluetooth speaker and let technology be your DJ. Music really adds to the ambiance and you can easily tailor the tunes to any theme or style outing! Citronella oil: No one wants to get bitten by mosquitos while enjoying the evening. Use citronella around the gathering space to keep the pesky bugs away – use candles, lanterns, or oil as part of the décor to keep things chic but functional. Grill: It’s been scientifically proven everything tastes better when it’s cooked on a grill! Okay, not exactly, but grilled proteins and vegetables are delicious. Investing in a good, quality grill will take you through numerous entertaining events. With a few simple additions, you can easily transform your space into a fun, welcoming spot for your guests!
Fall brings on cooler weather and all of the cozy vibes! As the seasons begin to change, it is the perfect time to upgrade your home décor and get ready for the end of the year. Today we are going to talk about the best items to help you get your home ready for the Fall season! 1) Knit Blankets Nothing says cozy quite like a soft knit blanket. These are the perfect addition to your sofa for Fall and will keep you and your guests warm on those chilly days. You are almost guaranteed to find a knit blanket in any color that will suit your home décor style! 2) Warm Colors When thinking of Fall, most of us think of colors such as deep reds, oranges, greens, and browns. These are the perfect colors to incorporate into your home décor for the new season. Whether you want to get new throw pillows, a new throw blanket, or even a new vase, you can surely find something beautiful in a warm color that will transform the way your home looks. 3) Dried Florals While beautiful greenery is great for Spring and Summer, it is time to swap those pieces for dried florals. An easy way to make your home cozy is to take any greenery that you may have in vases and find dried florals that come in warmer colors. It will instantly make your house feel warm and inviting. 4) Swap Out Mantel Décor If you have a fireplace mantel in your home, this is the perfect time to update the décor! Even if you do not have a mantel, you can still update any shelf space, nightstand, or media cabinet that may have décor! Whether you want to incorporate some pumpkins, a piece of Fall artwork, or even hang a dried floral wreath above the mantel, you have several options to get your home Fall ready! These simple ideas will quickly help you get your home ready for the changing season. There is nothing better than a cozy home to return to after a long day so bring on the Fall colors, pumpkin spice lattes, and cooler weather!
An oversized button-up is a classic closet staple, but one of the most versatile items in your wardrobe! You can wear your button-up casually or dress it up for a more special event. Today we are going to talk about how to style an oversized button-up to show you how many different ways you can wear this one piece! 1) Denim and A Tank Top One of the easiest ways to style an oversize button-up is by pairing it with your favorite denim. Whether that is boyfriend style, high-waisted, skinny, or flare, you can wear an oversize button-up with them. Leave the button-up unbuttoned with a tank underneath for a casual look that can be worn with sandals or tuck it in and wear it with heels for a dressy outfit. 2) Pair It with Linen Shorts A great way to wear an oversized button-up in the warmer months is to pair it with linen shorts. Whether you want to stick to neutrals or buy an oversized button-up in a brighter color, this is the easiest casual outfit for running errands or grabbing lunch with friends. This look is perfect to wear with your favorite sandals and a cute straw bag. 3) Swimsuit Cover-Up Oversized button-ups make the perfect swimsuit cover-up. Instead of buying an actual cover-up just use your button-up and then after the beach or pool you can throw on a pair of shorts and be ready to finish your day! 4) Slip Dress Slip dresses are very on trend right now and pairing your slip dress with a button-up over it is a great way to finish the outfit. Having an oversized button-up to wear throughout the day will make the outfit more casual and then you can remove it at night to easily go from a day-to-night outfit! Wear it with sandals during the day and slip on your favorite heels and earrings to complete the evening look. 5) Loose Trousers For an effortlessly cool look, you can wear loose trousers and put on your oversized button-up with them. This is a great outfit for warmer months as it is meant to be flowy and comfortable. Wear your favorite flat sandals and simple jewelry and you will have a simple yet chic outfit. These different ways to style an oversized button-up will hopefully inspire you to add this class piece to your wardrobe. There are so many ways to wear it that you will be able to effortlessly style it all year round!
