Thursday, February 1, 2018

Meet the Boss | The BodyBoss Fitness Guide


This blog post is sponsored by BodyBoss. All opinions are my own.
Get 15% off until 4/30/2018- applicable for all guides - use code "BBJOI"
Today's post features my review of the BodyBoss' Ultimate Body Fitness Guide, which provides a high intensity 12-week workout program PLUS a 4-week pre-training program. When a team member reached out to me to see if I would be interested in trying this unique program and providing a personal review here on my blog, I readily agreed. Why? Well, timing is everything! Coincidently, I had recently been mulling over how to incorporate a moderate exercise program into my already busy life schedule. This objective aligns with my Operation 40 initiative launched a year or two ago…😁 When I learned that this program boasts solid results in as little as 24 active minutes, 3 days a week, it sounded like just what I wanted!
BodyBoss offers three core benefits to its members:
  1. Rapidly burn fat – “The BodyBoss method switches your body into hyper drive to supercharge fat loss and kick-start your metabolism.”
  2. Re-invent your shape – “BodyBoss high intensity workouts have the unique ability to burn fat fast while preserving your precious lean muscle mass”
  3. Save time and money – “The BodyBoss method is perfect for busy women who want convenience as well as results…All you need is 24 active minutes and your A-game.”
YES! With my new handy guide I can work out anytime, anywhere, and with minimal equipment!
Sounds good right?! I think so too! In fact, I was siked when my 196-page paper guide arrived in the mail. Excitedly, I eagerly flipped from page to page, learning about the #BossEffect, high intensity interval training (HIIT), the afterburn effect, and how the unique exercise combinations work.
However, when I got to the portion of the book that breaks down and illustrates the exercise cycles I began to feel intimidated! Why? Because I’m old! LOL! BodyBoss combines bodyweight resistance exercises, plyometrics (jump training), cardio, and unilateral exercises. I could feel the burn and my body hadn’t even started moving yet 😳
Nonetheless, I took motivation directly from my guide
“What comes easy, won’t last. What lasts, won’t come easy.” 
The great thing about BodyBoss, you can obtain serious results within the privacy of your own home.
To optimize my results, I opted to start with the 4-week pre-training program. Actually, BodyBoss provides a helpful checklist to help determine whether or not you need to do the pre-training program - prior to engaging in the high intensity workout cycles. Since I answered yes to four of the questions listed, it was recommended that I proceed with the pre-training program. πŸ˜‰
In my opinion, the pre-training program prepares you for success! I did it, it felt amazing! Stretching really helped me not to experience excessive soreness. Even on days when I am short on time, I make time to stretch before and after each workout. 
Tip: If you’d like to speed up your progress, try working out twice a day and incorporate weekends.

Here are a few highlights of my experience using BodyBoss thus far along with some helpful pointers:
  • Review exercises ahead of time to make sure that you properly understand each movement. Several times I realized after the fact that I was doing an exercise incorrectly.
  • Pay close attention: Some circuits are designed to be done once, others twice, and others three times!
  • Always allot enough time to complete each session (this is something I still struggle with, especially in the mornings on a three-circuit cycle)
  • Setting an alarm to indicate stop and start time(s) is very helpful
  • Keep COLD water on hand
  • Utilize an upbeat music playlist that makes you want to move your body
  • Some exercises can be challenging to execute. For the movements that my body wasn’t/isn’t ready to do yet, I simply modify them to what is doable for me personally. 
  • Workout times vary from about 30 minutes to 60 minutes total. Keep in mind that when you’re first starting out, it may take a bit longer to acclimate yourself with each exercise, especially the ones that require complex motion/rhythm.
  • Don’t stress if your timing is off, or if it takes you longer to do exercises that what is listed in the fitness guide! Simply do your best and keep going!
  • For exercises that are tough to follow, reference the glossary located towards the end of the book - which details how each exercise should be done. Additionally, you can find helpful gifs and videos online.
  • To optimize workout results, equipment is recommended. I used 3.3 LB dumbbells, a stepping box, a jump rope, and an exercise mat
  • Hold on to something when you need to!
  • In the beginning, I used a timer on my phone to track seconds for my warm ups and cools downs 
  • Shuffling the pages of the fitness guide can be cumbersome, try using adhesive bookmarks to locate your place readily
  • My cat (Cotton Candy) is one fun workout buddy, she has made me laugh during several workouts with her crazy facial expressions, blank stares, humorous antics, random jumps over my limp body, sneak attacks, and occasionally jogging in place with me

Fast forward: I am currently more than 6 weeks into the program and I feel incredible!!! 
Note: I didn’t weigh or measure myself because I’m not newbie to the fitness train. I didn’t want to be deterred by any gap in measurable results. 
However, I felt mighty good when I slipped into a pair of pants that haven’t fit properly in two years…..

Over to you, are you interested in becoming a Boss Babe
Don't forget snag 15% off all guides through 4/30/2018- with code "BBJOI"!

Until next time Babes,
Xx

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

cALI cOLD

Hat: Old| Coat: HERE| Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren| Cut off shorts: DIY project| OTK boots: HERE| Clutch: Vintage| Leather gloves: Old, similar HERE

Baby it's COLD outside! Fortunately, I snagged this furry delight just in time - in fact, I plan to LIVE in it for the remainder of winter 😊 LOL! No, but seriously, I'm currently planning a trip to a COLD climate and this furbaby will most certainly be packed in tow! Who says that faux fur can't be just as warm as the real thing?! 
I ❤ the texture of this coat, and the patchwork pattern adds in a dimension of fun. Although, I do wonder why couldn't it have been designed with a collar??? 
Anywho, for its first debut in the real world, I paired it with a black monochrome fit - silk blouse, cut off denim shorts, and OTK boots (recently acquired while on holiday). 
Looking ahead, I can also see this fuzzy thriller paired with practically any pastel color, white, cream, and red - just to name a few...
What furry acquisitions have you made this winter?!
Until next time Babes,
Xx

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Golden Girl


Earrings: Nordstrom| Dress: c/o HERE (use discount code inmyjoi20)| Leather belt: Ralph Lauren
Suede boots: Ralph Lauren, similar HERE| Purse: Coach, vintage

What's better than one fabulous bardot maxi dress? Why TWO of course!!! LOL! I blogged a cute off the shoulder dress in my last post (HERE), since most good things come in pairs it only made sense in my head to follow up with this rustic beauty. Let's talk about number two shall we?😁 Color, tassels, and frills - honestly, what is there not to LOVE?!!! I packed it with me for a weekend escape and accessorized it with from the same color family. I can't wait to rock this in the summer with a strappy pair of sandals!

Until next time,
Xx

Sunday, January 7, 2018

Floral Flow

Statement necklace: Nordstrom| Dress: c/o HERE (use discount code "inmyjoi20")| Velvet booties: c/o HERE| Purse: Vintage, thrifted

Most of the country has been in a major deep freeze, but  around these parts the weather seems to alternate between fall and spring πŸ˜‰ Is it chilly where you are? My mom told me that she was looking forward to a warm-up of 10 degrees! I guess wintertime is here!  
Recently I had a chance to wear this closet newbie, an  OTS dress with a fun frilly high/low hem. I paired it with black accessories, and carried along a velvet blazer for the chilly night air. I really like this dress! 
Note: The material is on the thin side, almost sheer - I added a slip underneath it. 
I usually think of wearing dark floral prints during chilly temperatures, but this dress would also be great for summer. 
Until next time,
Xx

Sunday, December 31, 2017

Red & Pink

Fur Scarf: HERE| Dress: c/o HERE|  Pink socks: Nordstroms| Pink sandals: TopShop, sold out

Can you believe that today is the final day of 2017?! This year certainly had its share of lows, but with them also came a few personal highs for which I am genuinely grateful. 
I love the feeling that a fresh start brings - it feels like the slate is wiped completely clean and there are countless new opportunities do things differently. 
Of course each day technically is a fresh start, but for a while I wasn't fully utilizing that perspective. 
Happily now things have shifted, I utilize that perspective regularly and it feels wonderful! 
Today's look is perfect for going out with the guys or gals. I paired two of my favorite bolds hues together. Of course, I'm more partial to RED, but then you already knew that...
I ❤ how both colors complement the other!
Until 2018 Loves,
Xx

Friday, December 29, 2017

Pretty Little Dots

Wool fedora: Similar HERE| Sunnies: HERE| Cape: c/o HERE (Save w/ code "inmyjoi20) 
White ruffle blouse: ZARA| Embellished skinnies: c/o HERE| Feather mules: ZARA

Wondering what to wear this weekend? I have the perfect fit for you πŸ˜‰ I'm a recent convert to the embellished denim trend, (first pair blogged HERE) now it feels like I just can't get enough of them! The sparkling pair that I am wearing in today's post totally reminds me of the children's lullaby 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star'. Never heard of it? No worries, here's a brief quote:
"Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky."
LOL! This pair is so cute, but note that the sizing is generous as they have quite a bit of stretch. I recommend sizing down by one, as they will stretch out a bit after one wear πŸ˜‰ 
Honestly, I don't feel like these pictures do the pretty little dots justice...It was so bright/sunny outside when I shot this, you can't truly see how much they really sparkle- by way of white pearls and silver rhinestones. Anywho, for a super chill day (including a run to the office) I paired them with a updated ruffled white shirt, an amazingly long cape (available HERE + save w/ code "inmyjoi20" at checkout), and the feathered mules that have taken my wardrobe by storm...
Until next time Loves,
Xx

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Cozy Scarf Season


Sunnies: Similar HERE| Black OTS top: Similar HERE| Oversized scarf: ZARA, similar HERE 
Embellished skinnies: c/o HERE| Black velvet booties: c/o HERE


It's officially winter time here in The States, which means bring on all the cozy weather wear! I am a HUGE fan of vibrantly colored, extra large, super sized, chunky scarves. I been rotating a number from my growing stash since about November ... when the chill hit the air here in SoCal. I snagged the one that I am wearing in today's post at Zara a few weeks ago. Isn't it beautiful?! The color, knit pattern, and size make me love it 😍
For your viewing pleasure, below is a snapshot of a few scarves that are on my radar for purchase, including shoppable links (links are ordered from left to right) πŸ˜‰
Option 1 (Red)
Option 2 (Multicolored)
Option 3 (Blue)
Option 4 (Multicolored)

Until next time Babes,
Xx

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Seeing Red

Red suede moto jacket: c/o HERE + another color HERE| Pastel pink turtleneck: Similar HERE
Distressed metallic stripe skinnies: c/o HERE| Silver  oxfords: Similar HERE

Hey Babes!
It's been a minute! If you follow me on IG you already know that I've been on vacation - soaking up ALL of the sun and inhaling wonderful food πŸ˜†Once I  got back to the States I immediately came down with a terrible cold, and actually - I'm still battling it πŸ˜” and completely open to any home remedies that you'd like to share...  Anyhow as the saying goes, 'The show must go on'... I got back to the business of a routine right away. Needless to say I was/am wayyyy behind on opening mail/packages/creating blog posts/etc.,. 
I opened a slew of mail last weekend, my heart just about jumped out of my chest when I laid eyes on this gloriously soft, supple, suede moto jacket c/o Rebel Wilson X Angels. GUYS!!!! 
THIS MOTO JACKET IS E V E R Y T H I N G !!!!!!!! It's fits like a dream, feels amazing, the color/saturation ratio is LIFE, and - it has four REAL pockets! I πŸ’— POCKETS! Especially functional pockets 😏 I mean, what is the purpose of decorative/faux pockets anyway?! Okay, I've digressed...back to the matter at hand: 
This moto EXCEEDED my expectations! I wore it out immediately. It will be on repeat IRL...I couldn't wait to share it with you! And guess what: It's on sale NOW! 
For its grand debut, I paired it with skinny jeans also c/o Rebel Wilson X Angels - see previous post HERE for my first impression on the fit of ther denim. 
Did you notice how the metallic side stripe is ingeniously placed? You can see it from the side and the front view - super cute & fun! 
Until next time,
Xx

Sunday, December 3, 2017

The Perfect Overcoat

Hat: Borrowed from Hubby| Overcoat: c/o HERE (πŸ’₯snag YOUR FREE trial offerπŸ’₯)| Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren, another cute option HERE
Dress: Sold out| Handbag: Kate Spade, similar one HERE| Booties, old - similar option HERE
I love textural interest, this look pairs a multi-dimensional window pane print with frilly lace. My overcoat was a recent win via my weekly GB shipment. I so look forward to receiving new goodies from them each week in the mail! I added the coat to my virtual closet (another handy feature for ensuring you get exactly what you want) a few weeks back and totally forgot about it until I saw that it had shipped and was on its way to my house. When I received it I noticed that it was pretty lightweight, which meant that I could be liberal with adding layers underneath-YAY! 
I started off with a silk blouse, topped that with a lace dress, then added on the overcoat. I really like this trio! I was warm (Autumn in SoCal is mild), comfortable, and stylish πŸ˜‰
If you're not familiar with Gwynnie Bee, learn more about them HERE + snag your FREE TRIAL OFFER!
Until next time Babes,
Xx