Girls night out.
Swedish girls say "Klackarna i taket," a Swedish phrase which translates to "heels hit the roof." This means that you're going to paint the town red and have a great time. And that is precisely what we did. ;)
hur man kan "get in the mood" i sommar...
Here in Sweden it is basically the winter season for 7 months out of the year. So when the thermometer rises, and the sun comes out, you know you have to truly take advantage of this fabulous season.
I have come up with my favorite things to do to really get me 'in the mood' of summer. In two weeks I will be putting all these tips to the ultimate test when my boyfriend and I throw our "Summer Bash Party!"Here in Sweden it is basically the winter season for 7 months out of the year. So when the thermometer rises, and the sun comes out, you know you have to truly take advantage of this fabulous season.
I have come up with my favorite things to do to really get me 'in the mood' of summer. In two weeks I will be putting all these tips to the ultimate test when my boyfriend and I throw our "Summer Bash Party!"
1. Summer jams. I have found this one of kind site/iphone app that has already-made playlists. It is called 8 tracks. The cool thing about it is that you don't have to spend all afternoon searching artists, albums or even genres...you can search your mood! Such as study, party, cleaning, chill, summer, workout, etc. I love the playlist names too, make me giggle. One of my favorites atm is called "Sweat like a pig, look like a fox" helping me train for my half marathon. ;)
2. Dress the part. Here in Sweden, fashion is no joke. As soon as the sun shines for one day, everyone busts out their shorts, sandals, and "beachy" accessories. And if you want to catch this seasons feel, I suggest you do the same. Things that are super trendy right now are shorts, ombre (hair and clothes), wedge shoes, chunky jewelery, maxi dresses, and of course COLOR.
3. Sexy beach hair. Long or short, thin or thick, every girl has tricks to turn her girl next door look into a beach bombshell. One of my fav things to do is watch youtube tutorials. It's also really fun to laugh at the really outrageous girls on there, but mostly, its fun to be bold and try new hairstyles this season. Here are some seriously helpful tutorials:
beachy waves (skip to 1:17 if you can't be bothered with intro)
big voluminous hair (using Velcro rollers)
&& don't worry if you have short hair, you can always get clip-in extensions for the summer look. this is me with mine, I absolutely love them for going out. And my bf thinks I look super sexy with long hair <3
&& don't worry if you have short hair, you can always get clip-in extensions for the summer look. this is me with mine, I absolutely love them for going out. And my bf thinks I look super sexy with long hair <3
4. Stay in the shade. Owning and sporting a pair of "Sunnies" that is in Aussie language, is amust this summer. I think there are two mandatory summer shades. Aviators, or ray-Ban style. Or you can have some fun and wear heart-shaped. 
5. A bronze tan. Now, I don't know why chicks think skin cancer is sexy, but I have gained a whole new respect for a healthy lifestyle here in Sweden. With that being said, a bronze tan CAN be achieved without slowly killing yourself in the tanning beds ladies. I recommend self tanning lotion and bronzer. there are plenty of brands out there, but if your looking for a suggestion I like Dove Summer Glow.6. Get yourself a cold drink. So I don't know about the rest of you, but I am obsessed withPinterest. The reason I mention this is because I have gotten the most inspirational and fun recipes from this site. On cocktail I might be trying at my Bash is Nectarine Vodka Chillers, yum! Check out Pinterest, you won't regret it.
Create...
your personal "Look Book."
I was watching the beloved Rachel Zoe Project when I saw her and her team doing a lookbook of Rachel's new clothing line. This is what designers do to organize and showcase their products to clients before they hit the runway. Well, this got me thinking...why not create my very OWN look book? Just like the fabulous Rachel Zoe, I want my wardrobe to be fierce and organized before I step onto the " fashion runway" of Sweden's streets.
Take a quick snapshot of your outfit and either create a collage online or make prints to pin up in your wardrobe. By infusing my major statement pieces with my basics and styling them differently, I create fresh looks that I can wear day after day! Well, that is until laundry day comes...then I will be spending the day in my cutest bikini to tvätt tvätt tvätt. ;)
Friskis och Svetis
So, here are some tips for all of you women that WISH you could love the gym, and exercising, but just despise it with all your being...
1. Dress for Success: Buy a pair of gym pants that make you feel confident. I bought a pair of black spandex pants that flair at the bottom to make me look sporty and accentuate my curves. Also, get gym pants, not shorts, this way you are eliminating any excuses you might make for yourself. for example, "Oh I didn't shave my legs today..." or "I can't go to the gym wearing these goofy socks!" Eliminate excuses.
2. Say Goodbye to feeling Frumpy: Whoever thought there was a rule stating that you have to look gross and sweaty in the gym is sadly mistaken. Ladies, don't be afraid to wear your makeup! Just because we are exercising does not mean we can't look good doing it. Put on some bronzer, mascara, and clear gloss to let your glam goddess shine while your workin on your fitness.
3. Accountabilibuddies: translation; friends that hold you accountable for your gym time. They will be your conscience when you decide to give up. They will make you feel like taking responsibility for your actions, and call you out when you are clearly slacking. They will be your support. Get some.
4. Crucial Jams: Music is an essential tool that alters our moods dramatically, so creating a killer playlist is imperative to how hard your going to hit the gym. Some artists that really get me pumped is Black Eyed Peas, The Used, Ludacris, The White Stripes, Rage Against the Machine, and most Techno artists.
5. Feel Great, Even in the Locker Room: Ladies, we all know we dress for other women, so why not flaunt what you got and rock a sexy colorful bra! I got this hot pink and yellow bra that makes me feel fun-loving and confident.
6. Greatest Investment: Invest in quality sneakers. Many overlook this necessity with ease, but if your feet feel sore, then basically your entire body is tired. We all need the support and comfort a quality gym shoe has to offer.
7. Create a Routine: The key to results is being consistent and focused. By creating a regular routine in the gym, you are committing to a healthy and meaningful workout. Your form is everything, try not to rush through the exercise. Take your time, and focus on the muscles you want to work, and getting a good, sweaty exercise. No sweat = Little or no results.
8. Lock It Up: Like I said earlier about eliminating your excuses, buying a lock and keeping a spare gym bag handy on site does exactly that. So often we forget or don't have time to pack a gym bag. So invest 10 bucks tops on a lock, and keep everything you need at the gym! I always keep handy my sneakers, extra pair of socks, water bottle (staying hydrated is essential to our health, in and out of the gym), a fitted spandex tank top (spandex doesn't wrinkle) deodorant, and lotion to moisturize after the shower. (Moisturizing is one of the most important keys to aging beautifully.)
9. BFF's 4 L: Make friends with the gym staff. Once you are on a first name basis you really start to feel at home. And maybe you can even swap training tips. Sharing is caring. :)
10. Pace Yourself: Yes, we all need to challenge our bodies and make them sweat, but avoid working out so hard that you are sore for a week after that. And too traumatized to try it again.
11. Help Thy Neighbor: If you see someone struggling or needing a spot, offer to jump in and help. I guarantee they will appreciate it more than you know.
12. Snack Time: Bring an after gym healthy snack. We naturally get hungry after exercise because we burn the carbohydrate stored in our muscles and liver and it needs to be replaced. We also need protein to build and repair normal muscle damage that occurs during exercise. I like Apples because they are tasty and inexpensive.
13. Homework: Sometimes its ok to bring the workout home with you. In case I know my schedule won't allow me to go to the gym, I keep a yoga mat in my room to do some core exercises.
14. Gold Star For You!: Create your own incentive plan. For example, If you do 20 minutes of intensive cardio, then you can have that chocolate for dessert. Or if you add 5lbs to your regiment, then you get to take a bubble bath and have a glass of wine when you get home. Reward yourself. You are worth it.
1. Dress for Success: Buy a pair of gym pants that make you feel confident. I bought a pair of black spandex pants that flair at the bottom to make me look sporty and accentuate my curves. Also, get gym pants, not shorts, this way you are eliminating any excuses you might make for yourself. for example, "Oh I didn't shave my legs today..." or "I can't go to the gym wearing these goofy socks!" Eliminate excuses.
2. Say Goodbye to feeling Frumpy: Whoever thought there was a rule stating that you have to look gross and sweaty in the gym is sadly mistaken. Ladies, don't be afraid to wear your makeup! Just because we are exercising does not mean we can't look good doing it. Put on some bronzer, mascara, and clear gloss to let your glam goddess shine while your workin on your fitness.
3. Accountabilibuddies: translation; friends that hold you accountable for your gym time. They will be your conscience when you decide to give up. They will make you feel like taking responsibility for your actions, and call you out when you are clearly slacking. They will be your support. Get some.
4. Crucial Jams: Music is an essential tool that alters our moods dramatically, so creating a killer playlist is imperative to how hard your going to hit the gym. Some artists that really get me pumped is Black Eyed Peas, The Used, Ludacris, The White Stripes, Rage Against the Machine, and most Techno artists.
5. Feel Great, Even in the Locker Room: Ladies, we all know we dress for other women, so why not flaunt what you got and rock a sexy colorful bra! I got this hot pink and yellow bra that makes me feel fun-loving and confident.
6. Greatest Investment: Invest in quality sneakers. Many overlook this necessity with ease, but if your feet feel sore, then basically your entire body is tired. We all need the support and comfort a quality gym shoe has to offer.
7. Create a Routine: The key to results is being consistent and focused. By creating a regular routine in the gym, you are committing to a healthy and meaningful workout. Your form is everything, try not to rush through the exercise. Take your time, and focus on the muscles you want to work, and getting a good, sweaty exercise. No sweat = Little or no results.
8. Lock It Up: Like I said earlier about eliminating your excuses, buying a lock and keeping a spare gym bag handy on site does exactly that. So often we forget or don't have time to pack a gym bag. So invest 10 bucks tops on a lock, and keep everything you need at the gym! I always keep handy my sneakers, extra pair of socks, water bottle (staying hydrated is essential to our health, in and out of the gym), a fitted spandex tank top (spandex doesn't wrinkle) deodorant, and lotion to moisturize after the shower. (Moisturizing is one of the most important keys to aging beautifully.)
9. BFF's 4 L: Make friends with the gym staff. Once you are on a first name basis you really start to feel at home. And maybe you can even swap training tips. Sharing is caring. :)
10. Pace Yourself: Yes, we all need to challenge our bodies and make them sweat, but avoid working out so hard that you are sore for a week after that. And too traumatized to try it again.
11. Help Thy Neighbor: If you see someone struggling or needing a spot, offer to jump in and help. I guarantee they will appreciate it more than you know.
12. Snack Time: Bring an after gym healthy snack. We naturally get hungry after exercise because we burn the carbohydrate stored in our muscles and liver and it needs to be replaced. We also need protein to build and repair normal muscle damage that occurs during exercise. I like Apples because they are tasty and inexpensive.
13. Homework: Sometimes its ok to bring the workout home with you. In case I know my schedule won't allow me to go to the gym, I keep a yoga mat in my room to do some core exercises.
14. Gold Star For You!: Create your own incentive plan. For example, If you do 20 minutes of intensive cardio, then you can have that chocolate for dessert. Or if you add 5lbs to your regiment, then you get to take a bubble bath and have a glass of wine when you get home. Reward yourself. You are worth it.
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And remember, the gym is your best friend!!
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