I am finally getting better! I have been sick for the past two weeks with a nasty virus which sent me to the ER. I ended up booking a flight home to Michigan, so here I am, sitting on my couch in front of the fire watching Sex and The City and writing you this handy dandy little guide to stay healthy this season. Thanks to the team over at Eat Clean, who wrote this post.

1. Wash your flipping hands. My mom is a stickler for this and I always am like "yeah yeah yeah, i've got you girl." But seriously, make sure you wash your hands frequently; before you eat, when you come back from errands/work, at the gym, just basically if you have the opportunity to wash your hands, do so! And don't forget to use a moisturizing hand lotion so you don't chap your skin.

2. Eat rainbows of veggies and fruits. The best way to pick out your fruits and veggies is by picking veggies that are the colors of the rainbow.

3. Yes to yoga. Yoga has been one of the most rewarding practices that I've added to my routine. I go to an advanced yoga class at Equinox, but what I love most is the teacher's invigorating and motivating attitude. Yoga is a physical workout and a mental workout.

4. Breathe. Yoga focuses on the breath, but you can do simple breathing exercises on your own to reduce anxiety. When I'm not prepping for auditions, I'm usually equally as spastic and stressed out so breathing techniques are something I have to force myself to learn and practice, but well worth it for health overall.

5. Walk. I have a weird theory that walking and moving around strengthens your immune system. Steve Jobs believed in walking to boost creativity and productivity. I recently moved from Chicago to LA, and I am walking a lot less, and driving a lot more. Even in Chicago's harsh weather and daily subway rides, I never got sick. Once I moved to LA I started getting a lot of respiratory bugs (pollution I know) but I also think that the lack of walking is a culprit too. I've made a point to find ways to walk more and go on hikes. Indoor air is also where germs are circulated and re-circulated so getting fresh air is in your best interest.

6. Journal daily and set goals. Keep a journal, or even better a gratitude journal too. I always feel lost if I'm not writing down my goals (long and short term), and also journaling my emotions and current challenges. Right now I'm all up in the air about moving to NYC and journalling is helping me make the right choice.

7. Drink more water! Not only does it make your skin glow, it cleans out toxins from your body and energizes you. I like my water ice cold and with lemon.

Most of these tips are a no brainer, but worth revisiting to make sure you are hitting the basic principles of good health!

Three Youtube Ab Workouts to Try Today

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I get asked just about every day what my workouts are. I am a certified pilates instructor and ab obsessed gym bunny. I go to Equinox gym when I am at my apartment, but for the past week and a half I have been visiting my family in Michigan. Whether you want to save money from a gym membership or simply workout on your own in between commercial breaks or when you wake up, Youtube is one of your best friends. Here are my recommendations and personal favorites for today...

This workout from Fitsugar caught my eye because of one word: barre. I am a barre FREAK. I think it's the greatest work out ever, in particular I love Xtend Barre which really lengthens and tones without bulking me up. For modeling I have to be as long and lean as possible and squats and lower body workouts tend to bulk me up. Barre is beautiful and doesn't compress my muscles...it actually works deep muscle fibers that are harder to reach. Smaller movements= better and more toned results. 

Cassie Ho is one of my favorite Youtube fitness bombshells. She is what made me see the potential and future of offering workouts to everybody without going to a gym. This extreme ab workout is one I do once or twice a week and incorporate the routine in my regular gym workout.  

Tone It Up delivers in this sleek and sexy ab workout. Grab your mat and skip the sneakers. This is a great workout to do in your hotel room or in small spaced areas. No excuses!

Those are my three ab workouts for you to complete today. I pinky swear I will film some workout videos of my own soon once I am relocated in LA. Comment below if you finish all three workouts and tell me what you think! 

Motivation + Greek Yogurt Cookie Dough (Gluten Free)

Motivating yourself is like bathing-you have to do it every day! Motivation requires constant upkeep and care-keep watering your inner garden. 

Anyways just had to get that out of my system and share with you. Fueling you fuels me. 

Speaking of fuel.... 

This gluten free cookie dough greek yogurt recipe is as yummy as it looks. Best part is that you can just mix the yogurt, vanilla, and honey together in the yogurt container! 

I was searching for yummy and healthy treats (oxymoron right?!) but I think this pretty much hit the nail on the head. Thanks 5 foot 7 always happy to find new sources for inspiration! 

Have a yummy breakfast and beautiful morning. I'm working on a DIY project then shooting some outfits tonight :) Stay tuned 

XOXO Emmy 

P.S What are some good DIY blogs? I'm feeling the creative juices lately! Comment below

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3 Ingredients: Berry Beautiful Smoothie

All you need is 1 cup of Greek yogurt (Oikos Vanilla 0% Fat is what I used), 1 Cup of Orange Juice, Handful or cup of berries ( I used a frozen blend of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries), and a Juicer- here's my Nutribullet (on sale!)  

Add the juice in first, then the yogurt, and the berries. You can add more berries or juice depending on the consistency that you want. Snap the top on and blend for 2 minutes. 

Voila! It's sooo good- I gave it to my friends during finals week. I love that it's really refreshing and gives me energy! 

Hope you enjoy. You can also try experimenting with the fruit- sometimes I put in mango and pineapple or swap out the orange juice for grapefruit juice. 

XOXO Emmy

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Six Face Masks to Try Now!

Spring is coming and our skin is in need of a few pick-me-ups...

I am a beauty junkie and will buy any face mask that comes my way. Every Sunday is "Emmy Day" and I pamper and create a mini-spa at home, because why not? Bombshells know that the key to feeling on top of your game is a fresh and healthy glow.

Bombshell crush: Marianna Hewitt

Marianna Hewitt is the type of woman I can relate to; fashionable and loves beauty and health. This is what we are all about at Boys and Bombshells. Naturally she is the Wednesday choice of our Bombshell crush. Since Wednesday is Woman Crush Wednesday we are joining in on the fun and suggesting powerful, beautiful, inspiring, and fashionable women.

 

Back to Marianna...I came across her instagram and instantly started saving pictures of her outfits and hair. I was like "I have to show this to my hair and makeup people!" Seriously, the girl is on point.

 

 

^ Can you get over that hair?! She has a tutorial here. I am definitely going to try this tonight! I actually watched a makeup video of her last week from her other main blog: ModaMob.

 

 

 

Get her look:

 

1. She told The Skinny Confidential  that her must have beauty product is the beauty blender which is the ultimate tool for a face that looks professionally done.

 

2. She says her favorite foundation is MAC which I use as well. I use studio fix fluid and I have tried all of the top foundations and I like MAC the best. I know it is bad for your skin, but I make sure to remove all of it and cleanse my skin (gently)!

 

Comment with your favorite foundation...I am always up for trying new products!

 

3. Nail an effortless  look like Marianna in the chic LNA Cape Tee $82.00

 

4. I noticed she wears a lot of cool neutrals, but is always on-the-go! It's tough to look put together when you are a goal digger and on the grind, but she does it with ease. This Marc Jacobs satchel is structured with subtle details- perfect for your stuffing your tablet and fresh pressed juice! ($598.00)

 

 

5. Marianna has great hair and she zig-zags back and forth between lighter and darker with subtley placed highlights. The result is gorgeous at either spectrum so we can assume she uses great products for lasting health. Living Proof style extender is perfect for all hair types, and a product I sware by. Also you can try out a smaller size at Sephora (it's only $12 and lasts a long time).

 

Anyways, I can't wait to explore Marianna's blog more and jot down her tips and favorite products.

 

Find more of her here:

 

Twitter

 

Blog

 

Facebook

 

Pinterest

 

Instagram

Morning routine

I am a morning person! So obnoxious I know! But I do love to be awake before everyone else and get a head start. 

The way you start your day can make it or break it. 

1.) Decide to be happy. That's an easy one. But you have to really mean it! But being grumpy is not a good look, and also complaining is not an answer...if you don't like something then change it! 

2.) Sweat it out and release endorphins through exercise. I workout right when I get up, no makeup, no breakfast, I just hit the gym and go hard before my body realizes whats going on. I also feel amazing after a morning workout as opposed to one later in the day. Also you burn more calories if you eat after your workout . 

3.) Reflect...Gain clarity about your life, some people pray, I personally just think while I am working out and try to pump myself up. I think about my goals and ask myself what can I do differently today. I try to always outdo myself and do more than I did yesterday. 

4.) Planning. Time management is something I feel I can always use guidance on. I try to prioritize my tasks by what will have the best outcome, and also school always comes first. 

I am a clean eater so after my workout I will have fresh fruit, oatmeal, or eggs. I drink green tea or grapefruit juice and a glass of water with lemon( I don't like coffee!) Eating healthy is something to feel proud about so celebrate your victories (no matter how small they may be) throughout the day!

Also, I am excited about 2014. I know it is already day 20 but I think it will be an amazing year for all of us! Just keep working at whatever it is you need to improve on. Everything get's better if you keep at it! And focus on your "why" or purpose (whatever excites or fulfills you). Do something every day to get you closer to your goal/dream. 

And lastly...Life is supposed to be fun!

Okay I am off to bed xoxo, Goodnight loves. 

Brush your body

Body brushing is good for your skin and for your overall health. Use a dry brush with natural bristles to sweep the surface of the entire body in circular motions. I talked with a woman at Ulta about body brushing earlier and she said "remember the key is to brush gently, not scrub." Your skin is an organ and a delicate one at that. 

Besides eliminating dead skin cells and improving skin hygiene, body brushing increases circulation to the skin through the capillaries, boosts your skin immunity against infection, and promotes a vibrant glow. 

Miranda Kerr revealed that body brushing helps to keep her balanced. She says that you can do it before or after a shower, and it's best to do it in the morning, since the point of body brushing is to increase circulation and start the lymphatic system. 

Body brushing is also an excellent combat for general fatigue and improving your body's immune system. There's no reason not to do body brushing! 

Goodnight loves and don't forget to try body brushing tomorrow morning! If you don't have a dry brush yet try a dry cloth or moist rag. 

xoxo, Emmy 

Ab games

Yes, that is me in the photo and no, it wasn't airbrushed. My followers and you have requested a post on what exactly I do for a workout. Tomorrow never comes, starting tomorrow is an excuse that will bring you down with it. Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better.

Diet is important, abs are made in the kitchen and the gym. I benefit from a high protein diet. I incorporate grilled chicken, salmon, nuts, oatmeal, veggies, and lots of water. Food is meant to nourish you, so I like to be as disciplined as possible.

Consistency is crucial. I workout every day because it is my outlet to relieve stress. You may have to jedi mind trick yourself into the gym but your body will not know the difference. Results are results, regardless of whether you were enthusiastic about being in the gym at 5 A.M or not.

Workouts:

One of my favorite workouts is going to X-tend class. It is a barre workout that ACTUALLY gives you beautiful results...I pinky swear!
Find an Xtend location near you

On my own I'm doing Pilates mat exercises that you can do anywhere (no excuses).
Check out Blogilates on YouTube for 10 minute workouts you can do in between errands, classes, etc.

I walk whenever possible, take the stairs, and always carry at least one water bottle with me. I keep myself motivated by the feeling I get while working out and the endorphins that are released. I shamelessly post selfies because I work my gosh darn buns off.

And you should have this feeling too. Be proud of your body and treat it like the temple that it is.