It’s like, are you human?

Well get ready to meet one in real life: Cara Weaver, Witty + Pretty’s newest contributor!

She’ll be posting regularly on all things fitness and health, like the rights and wrongs of basic exercises (don’t worry, we have pictures), what the hell certain fitness crazes are about (Prancercise, anyone?), healthy eating habits (and ones you can realistically accomplish), the best tunes for your workout playlist (she knows her sh*t), workout gear no-nos (visible crotch sweat is never a good look), and much more.

But before we jump into all that juicy goodness, check out her Q&A and get excited for more to come from this fierce female!

You have a rockin’ bod and we’re going to learn a lot more about how you maintain it, but in short, what’s your health mantra? And please don’t say “good genes.”  Obviously, you have that going for you. 
I believe in finding what works for YOU and finding a way to make it become a habit so you stick to it no matter what life throws at you. There are tons of great diet books and plans, workout classes, philosophies, and programs to adopt but until you really understand what your body needs and how it works on a basic scientific level, then those become a crutch that won’t hold up when you get busy or bored…which we all do!

So true. Luckily, I have found a workout I love and you just so happen to be an instructor! What’s your favorite part of being a Flywheel AND Flybarre instructor?
It’s the best job in the world…helping people get sweaty and feel really great about themselves physically and mentally!  I also really love to dance and listen to music so it is a perfect combination of my favorite hobbies.

I know you drink (or we probably wouldn’t be friends). Share your stance on booze.
I don’t take down Jager bombs or frozen daiquiris but I do love to socialize with a beverage in hand (or not socialize with a beverage in hand). I stick to red wine most always, but I like a cold light beer (in the bottle only because I’m a snob) and a clean tasting (not sour) margarita on the rocks every so often.

That’s what I like to hear. So you consult and health coach people. What is the main issue  you see people struggle with the most?
Most people are just tired of not knowing, not understanding what to eat or what “healthy” is anymore with all of the information and philosophies out there. It’s daunting! They have tried tons of books and programs but always find themselves back to their default way of eating because it is what they KNOW!  I have found that once I help them change what they know, their default way of eating becomes healthier and change naturally happens. This is the first step!

Can’t wait to get into that more. But speaking of eating…what’s your weakness? 
I have a huge weakness for granola, chocolate chip cookies, and cereal.  I can and will eat the entire bag/box in a day if it’s in my house.

Mmm, cookies. What’s on your playlist right now for working out?
I do love all types of music from oldies to hip-hop or house, but when it comes to motivating people to get sweaty, pop, hip-hop and dubstep get the room fired up and the energy booming! Right now I am listening (and teaching) to Imagine Dragons (“Radioactive“), Bruno Mars (“Treasures” remix), Skrillex, Baauer, Ludacris, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and Rihanna of course!
*Check out Cara’s Spotify playlists!

Love all of it. Switching gears–what’s your favorite body part of your own? I love my shoulders and arms, and I say that proudly after many many years hating on them (like we all do for some part of our bodies).  In high school, I had a guy tell me I was “jacked” and the weight-training coach tell me I should think about being a body builder…and I was 16 or 17!  That very day, I stopped bench pressing with the boys and didn’t touch a weight again for seven years. I hated how muscular I was and didn’t embrace it as beautiful until my mid-late 20s.

Well you have the best arms and shoulders in town so I’m glad you embraced them! What are the main foods in your regular diet?
Every three days I hit the grocery for the following items: Lettuce, tomatoes, chicken or turkey, green pepper, rice chips or crackers, salsa, and red wine (not a food but something that requires the trip to the store and sometimes the only thing I need more of!).

It’s a necessity for sure. Aside from Flywheel/barre, what other workouts do you do?
I believe in variety, shocking your body so you don’t hit a plateau, so I try to get into as many classes around town as I can with my limited time. I opt for yoga at Atlanta Hot Yoga, Fast Twitch at The Forum, and running on the BeltLine with my dogs.

I love Fast Twitch and BeltLine running, but I’m still scared of hot yoga. Last question–I know you’re low-maintenance, but  do you have any beauty product must-haves?
This is sadly a hard one for me! My go-to is just Bare Minerals powder foundation and mascara (any brand you throw at me because I have NO idea what I am looking for). I love to get pretty, but walking into a Sephora or a beauty department  for me is like a beauty queen with an overflowing Caboodle walking into the weight room for the first time; I don’t know where to start!

We can help with that.

Stay tuned for Cara’s first post next week. And Atlanta friends: She is doing an awesome health teaching Wednesday, June 5 ($20 drop-in) if you’re interested in educating yourself and learning about how to get healthier  in a casual, non-intimidating setting. Click HERE for the details.

*Second photo courtesy of Lululemon Athletica. 

The post Q&A: Cara Weaver appeared first on Witty + Pretty.

But when some photos of me surfaced on the Web post-vacation, I realized one thing had been less than perfect.

Apparently, I thought it was Spring Break 1976. One thing was official (besides the fact that I just posted an unedited picture of myself in a bikini on this blog): It was time to book my very first Brazilian.

Obviously I had to document this momentous occasion and all the fears, pain, and glory that came with it via video.

Recap: I’m a big fan of the bikini wax.

The fact that I don’t have to take a razor to my nether regions for three(ish) weeks is reason enough to incorporate this into my regular beauty regime, despite the “discomfort” (which I’m assuming is going to get better each time…right?).

Atlantans, I highly recommend WAX, whether it’s your first or fiftieth treatment–the salon is chic, welcoming, and sparkling clean, the staff is beyond friendly and professional, it’s affordable, AND there’s a nail salon upstairs called Buff with chairs that recline all the way back so you can drink wine and pass out take a nap while getting a pedi. I mean, that’s basically heaven on Earth if you ask me.

Happy bikini season, ladies!

LYLAS,
Ashley

Join the Witty + Pretty party on Facebook for more fun & beauty! 

*Special thanks to my friend Cara for helping me film (and making me laugh through my pain). Check out her fitness guru awesomeness at 10-Pack.com.

The post My First Bikini Wax (Ever) appeared first on Witty + Pretty.

Chuice will change your life.

Let me explain.

This amazingness in a bottle helped me lose those pesky seven pounds that wouldn’t drop, has given me more energy, improved my skin and hair (as in, my stylist asked what the eff I had been doing differently), and has made meal planning a whole lot easier.

I could ramble on for days (just ask my friends) but I’ll keep it to five basics for you readers because I know you probably have Facebook work to get back to.

1. Chuice is raw food that you half-drink/half-chew (See what they did there?). Yes, it sounds weird and it looks even weirder. The stuff was created by holistic health guru Ladell Hill to have every nutrient you need plus more, like enzymes (that I can’t pronounce) that eliminate toxins, boost your immune system, and reverse the aging process. You should see Ladell. When he told me his age, I choked on my Chuice.

2. It has 45 ingredients in it (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, etc.) and is juiced fresh daily. Most people like the taste right away (I was in love at first sip), so you don’t have to worry about this type of situation:

There are two kinds (green and red) and they taste similar, but the red has a slightly fruitier and almost spicier(ish) taste. I prefer the green (as do most people), but still mix it up with a jug o’ the red every once in a while. Red has slightly less calories.

3. It comes in a half gallon jug ($25) or 16 oz. bottle ($7). I drink 10ish ounces for a meal, so the half gallon has about six meals in it for me; I have it for breakfast most days and sometimes for lunch or a late-afternoon pick-me-up, then eat a healthy dinner (well, most nights).

Chuice has plenty of protein and fiber, so it satisfies you; it’s not some juice cleanse that will leave you hangry (you CAN just drink Chuice for days and use it to cleanse/drop weight quick if that’s what you’re looking for). People ask me “how to do it” and I just say: Replace six meals with a glass of Chuice in a week to start and you’ll figure out what works for you.

I typically have it during the week, then eat what I want, go out, have cocktails, etc. on the weekends and pick back up Monday morning. In other words: If you’re a partier like me, it makes getting back on your healthy routine after a binge-fest a whole lot easier.

4. You’re supposed to consume it within three to four days, but sometimes I’ll have my last glass on the fifth day (shhh…). You should definitely toss it after a week, though.

5.  CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta drinks it on the reg. Enough said.

(Sanjay and Ladell) 

You guys, I know I sound like an informercial, but I can’t help it. I’ve been on the Chuice train for 6+ months now and can’t imagine getting off (that’s what she said). I love the way it tastes and can literally see and feel it making me healthier, plus it resulted in dropping lbs (be honest; that’s all most of you care about anyway).

I don’t have to grocery shop/worry about meals as much, and I haven’t gotten sick since I started drinking it. Ba-da-bing. Ba-da…..boom.

You can pick up Chuice at all three Highland Bakery locations (Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, and Buckhead); other places can be found on Facebook. (If you pick up at HB, remember that all the cupcakes, cinnamon buns, and pastries will be staring you right in the face, so get your self-control and tunnel vision together before you walk in that joint.)

Also, check the Chuice Facebook page to find out when Ladell and his team are doing tastings around town if you want to try before you buy.

AND for those of you who are reading this and don’t live in Atlanta (thank you, by the way!), they do ship–email ladell@tasteofearth.net. You can order in bulk and freeze the half gallons (I did that when I went home for Christmas and it worked perfectly). If you have questions, feel free to email, Tweet at me, or leave a comment on this blog post. If I can’t answer them myself, I’ll get the answers from the experts!

Hope you decide to take a ride on the Chuice train. Chu Chu!

*As far as weight loss, Chuice will work if you eat a relatively healthy diet and exercise. In other words, you can’t lay around and eat cheeseburgers all day and drink Chuice occasionally and expect to see a difference. Since it is an herbal product, check with your doctor before consuming if you’re being treated for any medical conditions (although it can aid in many health-related conditions). Prices listed above may vary in some locations. 

The post Ashley Hesseltine Weight Loss and Total Health in a Bottle {Chuice Review} appeared first on Witty + Pretty.

Start listening and you just might get the URGE TO BURN (calories). Coincidentally, that’s the title of the first song…

Stream it below or click here to open via the Internets.

Happy sweating,
Ashley + Cara

*
Hear Cara’s kickass tunes in her Flywheel and Flybarre classes, and check out her website for health and fitness tips on the reg! And stay tuned for a brand-new playlist next month…

Tags: cara, fitness, Flywheel, music, playlist, skinny

Category: Fitness & Health

The post Get Sweaty: Workout Playlist for the Month appeared first on Witty + Pretty.

Hayden from Pretty In My Pocket fills us in on the BEST products on the market, whether you need clinical treatment for your underarms, prefer all-natural sweat protection, or just want your pits to smell rich.

But first, let’s address the obvious: Antiperspirants can cause cancer. There is no scientific proof of this, but some people do believe the aluminum agents that block your sweat glands are harmful and there are some great articles on how to stop wearing deodorant without smelling bad all the time.

Personally, I use clinical strength antiperspirants in the summer and tone it down to a regular ol’ formula in colder seasons in an attempt to minimize risk that may or may not even be there. 

One more thing before we dive in to these deodorants: Should you swipe it on at night? The answer: If you are wearing clinical strength, you can definitely put it on before bed and it will work just as well (or better!) through the next day.

This is great for gals who are always getting ready in a hurry (like myself) and have the potential to perspire whilst rushing around trying to get out the door. If you have even a little bit of moisture under your arms and put on antiperspirant, it won’t work as well, so apply when you’re completely dry. And nightly application ensures you won’t forget it in the morning (NIGHTMARE).

Off the top of my head, some of the most endorphin-rich activities you can do are: Hanging outdoors in the sun, partying/dancing like there’s no tomorrow, and getting in a good workout. But what else do all of these things have in common? SWEAT. And no, not THIS kind of sexy sweat.

We’re talking the no-thank-you, total mood killing, pit stain type sweat. If you need a refresher as to why pit stains are THE WORST, let Buzzfeed demonstrate.

Have no fear. Deodorant is here.

And there are so many different types nowadays so you’re armed and ready to defeat your personal type of pit problem. I’ve broken down my picks for the best into each category.

Thank me later.

Everyday Protection: Suave Clinical Protection PROSolid Antiperspirant and Deodorant in Everlasting Sunshine ($5) has a passion fruit/vanilla scent and is the perfect go-to for 24-hour protection. Straightforward and sweetly scented.

Major Sweat and Stank: Whether you’re a nonstop gal on the go, marathon runner, or seem to have an extra engine in those sweat pores, try CertainDri Solid ($8). It’s one of the most recommended products for staying dry all day long, and at less than a 10-spot, it’s worth the purchase.

Another favorite is Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant ($8). Swipe that bad boy on at night so your body can absorb the formula and voila, prescription-like power.

*Editor Note: Ashley swears by Dove Clinical Strength in original clean scent ($10), which works like a charm and is also great for sensitive skin.

Irritated Skin: Nothing’s worse than having to shave your underarms with any kind of irritation. To combat unruly redness/bumps, try Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant Deodorant Cream ($16).

Deemed “underarm therapy,” this gentle formula not only works to combat wetness and odor, but it won’t break out your skin or overwhelm your pores, and in fact, it works to soften hairs making them less noticeable. CHA CHING!

Sensitive Skin: There are several deodorants out there geared toward sensitive skin but one of the best hands-down is Dermadoctor Total Nonscents Ultra-Gentle Antiperspirant ($20). It’s a bit pricey, but this roll-on is fragrance-free, quick-drying, and non-irritating so you can apply it right after a fresh shave.

In Need of Streak-Free: Dove Go Sleeveless Deodorant ($4) is gentle on tender underarm skin with killer wetness and odor protection. The big sell? This deodorant won’t rub off on clothing, so glide it on when you rock that LBD.

Au Natural: Tom’s of Maine Aluminum-Free, Fragrance-Free Deodorant Stick ($5) is one of the best in the odor/wetness fighting biz without any of the (potentially) harmful chemicals that you find in a lot of other products.

Best Scent: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant/Anti-Perspirant ($20) is one of the most popular scented deodorants that keeps you sans sweat and smelling like a queen. You get what you pay for with this one as it’s high-quality and will also bring all the boys to the yard, er, your pits. Wait, that’s weird…

Anyway, there you have it. Keep it dry so you can keep doin’ yo thang!

XO, Hayden *

Want more expert reviews on all things beauty? Download the FREE Pretty In My Pocket app  for reviews,  recommendations, AND perks (read: free stuff). 

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