Fashion For the Gent- UK

During my short time here in the UK I have noticed that the average gentleman dresses differently than that of the typical US male. It nearly seems as if the "hipster" people group is mirroring the general public of our friends across the pond. 

Le Hipster- Add beanie and specks to flavor

Here are a few of the typical UK pieces that seem to be staples in nearly ever man's wardrobe.

Within the first week the number one item that stood out to me and also brought a massive smile to my face every time was-

no matter how well dressed a gent was...

He always had on fun yet classy socks!

Stripes, holiday sweater type of patterns, argyle... 

the list continues but it was a nice way to add 

personality to any ensemble.

I have seen more colors for gentlemen's trousers than I thought were possible. Mustard yellow, olive green and dark burgundy seem to be the favorites easily. These come in many different forms but my personal favorite is in corduroy.

Mmmm Love me some some cords!

Now here's the real investment. 

An impressive piece of outerwear!

This could be any item from a sweater, suit jacket or winter coat but it will be a statement piece. 

And the statement will say that you're sexy and smart!

First- Please notice the colored britches :)

Now under that remarkable piece of outer wear-- the mans man will have some layers going on. These will most often consist of one solid (usually knit) piece and a print. The prints are typically plaid or of a striped fashion. 

Okay so we have the layers shirts-solids and stripes like in any good 'ol game of 8 ball. We also have a superb coat. The new trend in this case is the cuffed jean. Skinny leg or straight leg- it doesn't matter. Give them two or three small rolls and you are a walking fashion statement. 

So your typical UK sir of style will be dressed a bit like this-

With some amazing socks of course. 

But you can still add some American flare----

Let's here it for the red, white and blue!

A class act 100%

These are your basic belongings to search for during your next UK visit or if you just wish to make your appearance that of an international man of the world who understands 

style that crosses all boarder!

Have fun with your wardrobe and as always gents, stay classy!

Some are just born with it ;)

 

Week 6 Progress Report

I recently posted a before and after photo on my favorite social media outlets and immediately the messages starting pouring in from my girlfriends-

"You look great! What are you doing?"

"Did you join a gym?"

And the answer is no- There's no gym involved. Frankly with the way most prices are combined with my lack of desire to leave the house once I'm home from work, gyms really don't work for me after the first week. 

So what's going on? Starvation? Hardly. 

I eat what I want but all things in moderation. If I want a burger I have a burger but I try to take off all the bread. I fill my plate with lots of veggies and little of anything else. 
And I love my smoothies! 

Substitute frozen berries for ice cream, Light Soy Milk instead of sugar and  fresh berries, oranges or OJ and I'm set!

 I try to eat more fish than any other meat but I do not deny my body when I'm craving something. I allow myself one small square of dark chocolate every night as my little reward for working hard. I exchanged salty foods like chips for almonds or other mixed nuts. It's just eating smarter. Fill up on the good stuff before you start on the not-so-good. 

TIP- When shopping remember; If it's not in the house you can't eat it!

 I also did a 1 week challenge on clean eating! For more information see my "Clean Eating Challenge" Post.

Now for the exercise portion-
I know what you're thinking...
NO GYM?

That's right! 
And I've only gone out "jogging" once in that 6 weeks. 

I say "jogging" because my version is to jog for 1-2 minutes, walk briskly for 2 minutes and repeat. It's not an exact science as much as I have zero stamina. 

I have been using a program called AthleanXX for women.

It is a series of several DVDs, each focusing on a different target area of the body. 

And it's amazing! It will not kill you like some other big name at home workout programs. It will not take an hour of your very busy day. Every DVD is between 15-35 minutes!

I am not a promoter and AthleanXX doesn't even know that this is being posted. So please take this information as an unbiased woman who is seeing results and they're coming FAST. That picture at the start is 6 weeks in. If I had to skip a day of working out, I simply did two workouts on the next day that I could. 

Simply put-  Don't diet. Eat healthy. 

Don't exercise but train your body. 

Focus on the areas you're working on instead of just going through the motions. 

And when you're walking up that hill, or up those stairs or around the corner... squeeze that butt :) Every little bit helps!

Good luck!

I can't wait to see what happens in the next 6 weeks!

Decor That Won't Bore: Affordable Thankgiving

Are you planning a feast? Inviting a plethora of people into your home this Thanksgiving? 

 Here are a couple decor ideas that will make you a proud pilgrim welcoming everyone in!

An eye-catching center piece is that easiest way to make an impression, and gone are the days of cornucopias...

Bring in a bit of nature! One long medium sized branch sawed into several different heights makes quite a visual impact. Especially when paired with pine cones, moss and candles placed inside mason jars. 

Easy and affordable! Just go outside for the bulk of your materials!

You know all those little pumpkins that go on sale right after Halloween? Buy them! If they are colors you don't care for simply paint them! There's so much you can do with the little things!

From center places to games!

Tic-Tac-Toe!

If you are having trouble locating mini gourds- apples are a great alternative!

Pair with tea light candles for a glowing ambiance!

Once you have determined your center piece 

now we can talk place settings!

This is the simplest trick that makes a big impact!

Find flat fallen leaves, or pick your own leaves and keep them between book pages to flatten them for a day or two. To make sure the leaves are clean, gently wipe them with baby wipes. Then take a black sharpie and scribe the name of your guest onto the symbol of autumn's glory. 

It is nearly mandatory to have an opportunity for your guests to reflect and share what they are thankful for. This was one of the easiest ways I have found anywhere. Use your black sharpie marker to script the big question onto brown paper and make sure to use a straight edge for the lines! 

 I have been mildly obsessed with chalk board paint lately so I couldn't help but throw in a few ideas along 

those lines as well. 

Use chalkboard paint (either bought or made) to paint anything from mini plates or small paper plate to go on top of your chargers! These can be used to then scribble either the menu, place settings or even supply a piece of chalk at each and have these as your "what are you thankful for?" presentation.

If you are brave and amazing enough to have a chalk board base to your table you can draw place mats and doodle 

fun messages and silverware!

Sometimes beauty is really in the details. 

Use a split walnut shell to cradle the 

salt and pepper for your table. 

Place pairs throughout the table. 

Sometimes different meal or drink items can be striking and can be doubled for visual appeal!

One 3-liter bottle of Sprite 2 cans of cranberry juice concentrate extras to make it fun and festive: I used real cranberries and star-shaped ice cubes

For the non-alcoholic version, add 1 bottle Sparkling Cider; For the alcoholic version, 1 bottle sparkling wine {pick your fave}

Make sure it is a lovely vessel for that extra little something!

Happy Thanksgiving All! Make sure to get that Wishbone!

Fitness Friday: 30 Day Challenge

Hello My Fit Family!

If you followed my 1 week of clean eating you'll already know that I offered to join a friend in this 30 day challenge. 

I am only on day 3 so this is a great time to come in and add a little extra something to whatever routine you're already doing. It's never to early to work for swim suit season but this will be a nice boost what with the holidays coming up!

Everyday take less than five minutes and work on those abs and SQUAT, SQUAT, SQUAT!

Ready, set... GO!

Clean Eating Challenge: Day 6

We are so close! I hope you are feeling on top of the world!

Day 6

How are those carb cravings? 

You're so close!

I really wanted a chicken and mushroom mince pie today and when my server came to get my order... I said

"Chicken ceasar salad, please."

It was so difficult but it was done!

Large cappuccino without sugar or flavor added. 

Remember, unless it's sugar free having your favorite coffee item flavored in anyway is adding a ton of sugar to your drink. 

Grape snacks!

 I sauteed mushrooms in white wine and balsamic vinegar before adding them to my caprices salad. 

My joint exercise challenge was-

10 sit ups

3X 5 V-up Crunches

30 squats

  

Clean Eating Challenge: Day 5

Day 5 Guys!

Almost there!

I ended up having extra of yesterdays smoothie left over so I poured the remains into large ice cube trays and froze it. Today I was able to blend up the cubes for a fresh smoothie!

See day 4 for the recipe!

I wasn't incredibly hungry around lunch time so I munched on some nature's candy- grapes!

But then by the time dinner came around I felt like I was starving!

I heated a wild frozen salmon filet and made a stir fry of bean sprouts, spinach, mushrooms and carrots. 

Drizzle a little soy sauce and enjoy!

A friend of mine was also asked to start a 30 day fitness plan. I offered to join and be a support in that way. 

Today was easy enough-

10 sit ups

30 squats

15 bicycle crunches

Get on it!

Clean Eating Challenge: Day 4

What you eat in private, you wear in public.

Day 4

I know it's getting tough, kids!

Hang in there!

Today got started with a berry smoothie!

Frozen raspberries and blueberries were used instead of ice. 

They were mixed with fresh strawberries and blackberries, a good amount of light soy milk, splash of OJ and a couple good spoonfuls of low-fat Greek yogurt. 

Blend for happiness!

Late lunch/early dinner was this gorgeous chicken ceasar salad (no I did not eat the croutons). 

I was at a meeting at Lindore's House and saw this beauty on the menu@

I ended up being so full from this meal that I only had a handful of mixed nuts later that evening. 

Stay strong, my friends! We're almost there!

Clean Eating Challenge: Day 3

How are you feeling foodies?

Just so you guys know I did some  stretching today :) 

Here's the poses I did- hold each for 30 seconds or more. 

Day 3 on the weekly challenge proved difficult but we'll get there. For now let me say that the morning consisted of a non-sugary cereal with some crushed mixed nuts and skim milk. 

TIP: I've also discovered that not only does low fat soy milk have less calories but it's sweeter than regular milk- GREAT IN COFFEE when you're not wanting to add sugar. 

Lunch was a caprices salad:

Tomateos  

Mozzarella Cheese

Balsamic Vinaigrette 

Here's where that difficult part came in-

I had a speaking engagement and the ladies of the women's group were quite insistent on my joining them for tea and .... apple tart. 

So I opting to not be rude prior to my talk and I partook. 

But I am admitting it here!

It is a good lesson in that you never know what may come up and you can't beat yourself up for it. But it was good that I had fully resisted my all other temptations that day!

Clean Eating Challenge: Day 2

Hello Clean Eaters!

Day 2! How are you doing with those cravings?

I started my day off with a sweet tooth so I opted for a smoothie!

9 STRAWBERRIES

10 BLACKBERRIES

3/4 CUP LIGHT SOY MILK

2 TBSP OJ

1/4 NONFAT PLAIN GREEK YOGURT

Blend Away!

My second meal was smoked haddock, Lightest Cream Cheese (very small amount), and mashed sweet potato! I heated a small sweet potato in the microwave for about 8 minutes after puncturing it several times with a fork. Once it was thoroughly cooked I cut it in half, added a tiny amount of OJ, drizzled some honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.   

And as always, served on a small plate. 

I finished off the day with another helping of yesterdays cereal concoction. See Day 1 of the 1 Week Challenge for that delight!

Day 2, lovelies! Stay Strong!