Reader In A dDress

I received this from one of my readers this weekend!♥ Prepping for a busy work week ahead, Taylor sets time aside to focus on her health by trying the 'Lemon Drop Detoxifier' recipe. LOVE IT! Thanks for sharing! xo

"10 lemons later and not only am I set for a detoxifying, skin clearing, health boosting drink for the next couple of days, but I got a great arm workout too! Thank you for continuing to educate and inspire me! Blog on!!!"-Taylor, 23.
Pinehurst, NC.

I'd love to hear from you too! A.dDress.MollyMY@gmail.com

Lemon Drop Detoxifier

1-2 Tbs. fresh organic lemon juice 

10oz. filtered water at room temperature

Drink quickly 

If there is one simple health tip I would give anyone, it’s this! Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning is a great daily detox (especially important after an evening of cocktails); think of it as a car wash for your insides. At the very least you should always drink a big glass of water when you wake up (aside from the 10oz.) to support metabolism function, adding lemon will help eliminate waste and prepare your body for a new day!

Importance of detoxification: The body naturally detoxifies (eliminating and neutralizing toxins) daily, but it can be hard to stay on track due to high amounts of air pollution, processed foods, drugs and alcohol. The average persons body is in overload, leaving toxic material inside its tissue; fat and mucous is then sent by the body to shield it from these unwanted elements by surrounding them. What does this mean? Aside from many health risks, weight gain; in some cases 15 pounds of this unwanted waste can be stored in the body. ‘Goodbye itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini.’   

Detoxification is not only important for the body, but also the mind. Part of the reason I am so passionate about health is because of its ability to make you feel absolutely incredible! Negativity slips away and you're happy and energetic by default; 'I'll take another round of that, please and thank you.'

On any medications? If so, it’s super important your body has a chance to detox. You should try to avoid medication as much as possible (even something as simple as Advil), but when you do take it, it is important that your body is clean enough to keep it moving along to avoid build up. Excess build up can cause anything from acne or joint pain (inflammation) to serious health issues, like illness, leading you to even more medication (build up). Sometimes people find that when they change their diet and detoxify, they are on much less or no longer take their once “common” medication(s), even diabetics.

Lemons are high in vitamin C, antioxidants and have over 200 enzymes making it not only great for health, but one of my favorite natural beauty products. Lemon is a super food for the liver, if your liver is clean, it makes the detoxification process much more effective; less toxins equal beautiful skin from head to toe!

Summer treat: Add a little bit of Stevia (all natural-zero calorie sweetener) to the Lemon Drop Detoxifier recipe (however much water and lemon juice you'd like) then sip and enjoy as lemonade. Try not to add Stevia in the morning, this will give your body a chance to adapt to sour foods and limit sweet cravings. 

More detox tips to come! xo

Little Black Leggings

Browsing through the pages of US Weekly, a pair of celeb must-have leggings caught my eye: The Girls' Tummy Control Capri Pant, $29.99.

'Tummy control??? All I can think of is a mom carrying a baby on each side of her hip, pushing a stroller with triplets, wearing Sketchers Shape-Ups in hopes it counts as her morning workout.’ I quickly turned the page. 'Way too much responsibility comes with wearing tummy control, not now, no thanks. Wait, was that…they are only $30…’

Cameron Diaz, Lauren Conrad, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Richie and Kristen Cavallari are some of the many celebrities to appreciate these forgiving leggings.

After looking online and still being skeptical, I decided I would hold off until I could try them on. Days later while at Bloomingdales, I found a pair comparable to those featured in US Weekly, they looked much more fitted then the recommended brand and less intimidating. Lissè Basic Capri Leggings, $56.00.

They fit perfectly, everywhere!

Not only comfortable, but flattering enough to wear with a shorter top and kept things looking tight and slim throughout my workout and running around town. The waistband wasn’t too much higher (bought the lower rise) than any other leggings I own, just tighter, but without digging into me. They come in black, white, grey and navy; unfortunately the white was a little see through, so I went with black and grey.

Lissè Leggings were also an Editor’s Pick in the February 2011 issue of InStyle.

If you’re comfortable with online shopping it might be worth trying 'The Girls,' you can’t beat the price and may love them. I ended up ordering a pair out of curiosity, but didn't find these to be much different than the average legging, just a higher waist and perhaps better fabric.

Now, grab a pair of your choice and show off that booty-ful derrière! xo

Pass The Sodium, Please

We've all heard "about" salt, but there is a huge difference in table salt and natural salt. Let's discuss which salt to stay away from and why.

Ditch the table salt: Traditional table salt does different things in your body than salt from natural resources. Table salt is heavily processed, refined and stripped of all its minerals except for sodium (useless sodium) and chloride 'ewy!' Table salt is an acidic, inorganic substance; meaning the body cannot utilize it or break it down to use the sodium it needs, leaving the body full of toxins and excess fluid (aka cellulite) 'NOT okay.' Table salt isn't easily eliminated/detoxed from the body, so this plus a lack of “good” sodium can cause serious healthy issues and/or death.

Why the body should utilizing salt/sodium: The body needs organic sodium; it is essential (of course still in moderate amounts) to our health and skin because of all its minerals. In the body it helps neutralize acids from stressful lifestyles and poor nutrition, without it the body takes from its reserves (even bones). This type of “good” sodium is in fruits, vegetables and natural sea salt. Gallstones, kidney stones, bad memory 'wait, so I asked YOU out???', arthritis, heartburn, acid reflux, headaches, indigestion, bacterial infections, diabetes, bloating 'seriously right now?', fatigue, weight gain 'AAAHH!' and other issues can occur in result of a lack of organic sodium. Unlike table salt, if the body takes in too much “good” sodium it can easily eliminate it.

Keep this in mind: Health issues related to “sodium” are due to processed foods, which contain very high amounts of table salt. 

Recommended salt: Himalayan (some are pink in color, either work!) or Celtic sea salt (overall, any kind of kosher or sea salt is best). They are more potent than table salt so you may use less than normal. Both of my favorites can be found at Whole Foods. xo

Pretty Porridge

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but could careless when it comes down to sleeping an extra 10 minutes instead. 'I had a piece of bread (it wasn't even wheat) yesterday, I'm punishing myself; plus my roommate's boyfriend is over so I'll have to put on a bra if I want to leave my room. I'll just get coffee. no milk. definitely no cream. and half a pack of Splenda, wait hold the Splenda, it makes me feel bloated. I'd rather drink my calories during happy hour. Breakfast just makes me more hungry anyways. I have nothing to eat. My blender broke. Why does my roommate's boyfriend have to sleepover everyyyy night???? He's not even that nice, or cute, or have a good job, or...UGH. I'm UP! Should I wear my hair curly or straight?' 

If you're like most girls our age, the idea of breakfast is more stressful than finding a parking spot at Nordstrom during the half yearly sale. However, it's still something we need to do for the sake of our health and beauty, just like we need to find a parking spot if we want those Badgley Mischka pumps 40% off-for the sake our health and beauty. Take the time to prep your meals at night, or the weekend before so you can sprint through the kitchen bra-less without "Mr. Right Now" ever catching a glimpse!

This recipe is a mixture of a few I've tried in the past. I call it 'Pretty Porridge' because it contains good fat (avocado is great for skin!), soaked (easier for your body to breakdown and utilize its nutrients) oats groats (bran layers are still intact, unlike rolled oats, so your body digests it slower allowing for stable blood sugar levels and more energy over a longer period of time), cinnamon (antioxidant) and salt high in minerals. It's pretty much all raw and totally vegan!

1/2 cup raw organic oat groats, soaked overnight and rinsed well 

1/2 avocado 

1/4 tsp. Celtic or Himalayan sea salt

3 (or more) drops of Stevia (Whole Foods)

1/4 tsp. organic vanilla flavor 

1-3 Tbs. filtered water or unsweetened vanilla almond milk 

Cinnamon 

*Serves 2 

In a food processor place soaked oats, avocado, salt, Stevia, vanilla and blend. Depending on your preferred thickness add liquid gradually (start with 1 Tbs.), sprinkle a bit of Cinnamon then blend to mix. A small amount is very filling and a perfect energy booster on a sluggish morning. 

Don't know how to 'soak?' Soaking is super easy! Place desired amount of oats (works for nuts and seeds too!) in a glass bowl, pour in filtered water (just enough so it is a bit higher than the oats) then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, drain old water and rinse oats well before using. I know it sounds like a lot of work and sometimes you just don't have the time or motivation (cooked plain oatmeal is still in my diet occasionally-so good with almond milk and berries!), so just try incorporating recipes like this at least every other week- it will pay off!

When you eat well, you feel and look well and will absolutely glow! xo

The Healthy Kind Of 'Jackass'

This southern gentleman ditched his roots for some good ol' grilled chicken and steamed broccoli at lunch last week in Los Angeles. The last lunch with PJ (aka Johnny Knox) was full of his homemade moonshine and grandmother's peanut brittle so I was a bit doubtful when I heard about the meal of choice on my birthday afternoon. After we hung up the phone, I received this picture: 

He's a gem and family favorite!♥

Work Hard, Play Easy

I've been incorporating this workout tip from Dr. Jeff Spencer, Wellness Chiropractor to elite performing artists/athletes and have found great results! It's the perfect information to help you find a balance and enjoy being active, as well as stay in excellent shape. 

Workout tapes are my life (so 80s), but I also love yoga/pilates, running, endless beach cruising and gymnastics class (yes, gymnastics), or any other fun class for that matter (obsessed with ballet for awhile-ha!). Incorporating harder workouts throughout the week allows me to keep more entertaining actives a part of my fitness routine, love that! 

He cracks me up. I suggest starting at 2:20. xo

A dDress This:

The Midwest needs our help. Disheartening tornadoes have killed many and left thousands homeless in Missouri. Let us continue to pray and support! xo

Here is a list of a few organizations providing relief: 

• American Red Cross
• AmeriCares
• Convoy of Hope
• Feeding America
• Ozarks Food Harvest
• Heart of Missouri United Way

Dress Up Dessert

Half the fun of baking is displaying and a memorable event is an especially great time to buy a special piece (or two!). My parents collect really unique pairs of champagne glasses, which they buy for each other on their anniversary each year. I guess it’s safe to say, I’ve been raised to cherish the many kinds of different kitchen and dinning options!

I am head over heels for the Gracie China Victorian Rose cake stands I found for Marlo and Bob's engagement in early May and it seems I’m not the only one; Lauren Conrad couldn’t have said it better!

This article on Conrad’s FAVORITE THINGS is in the June 6^th issue of People, coincidently enough the same issue that announced the engagement of Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries! 

PS. Marlo recently bought a pair of TOMS at Nordstroms that give the same vibe as white lace (based off my last post). Thought I'd share! xo

Thrifty Gifting

Affordable and unique gifts can be difficult to find, that is why I love incorporating my 3rd grade art skills by making "modifications" to things I buy! 

My sister Marlo is the best big sister in the whole wide world!!! It was really important to me that the gift I gave her for her engagement was fun yet had meaning behind it. 


Marlo loooooooves workout clothes (especially Lululemon!) and exercising. Health overall, is a huge part of our relationship and something we enjoy sharing with each other. My inspiration came from the whole lingerie tradition, giving a bride lingerie for her wedding night, instead I got her a white sports bra and booty shorts from Lululemon (our dad was happy about this one-and no again dad, a bodysuit was not an option)! I made a lingerie hanger (what "bridal" looks to me) so the idea was clear, plus added the "something old/borrowed" and "something blue" tradition. 

Supplies I got at Michael's: 

• White satin ribbon-1.5-2''w (2 yards)
• Blue satin ribbon-1''w (1 yard or less depending on bow size)
• Lace ribbon (Marlo's has "pearls" on it. Any size under 2''w is fine)
• White feather edge satin ribbon-3/8''w
• Scrapbook flowers
• Scrapbook pendant 
• Large (larger the better looks cutest for this in my opinion!) safety pins (2)
• Super Glue
• Large tee-shirt box 
• White tissue paper 

First, I bought a padded coat hanger (Target or Home Goods). 
Use the thickest ribbon to cover the hanger fabric, working around the hook, wrapping it tightly and gluing as you go. The lace ribbon is for decoration, so again wrapping it around the hanger, but more spaced out than the first (cut and glue all ends at the end of the hanger to keep things consistent). Tie a few knots at the base of the hanger hook with the lace and feather edge ribbon, letting excess hang. Use the remaining thick ribbon to tie a large bow above the knots. Add scrapbook flowers or whatever else you'd like to the middle of the bow. Attach with glue. 

Use the blue ribbon to tie a bow on one side of the bra. I wanted the two pieces to come out of the box together so I safety pinned the bra to the shorts and tied a small bow on each pin using the thinnest white ribbon. Add the pendant (most have double sided tape already on them) to the top left or right corner of the shorts (the one I found was vintage inspired with a love quote engraved, so it stood as the "something old/borrowed"). White tissue paper and a tee-shirt box to wrap it all in. 
*You don't want to physically glue anything on to the bra or shorts because then it's not realistic to wear and a Lulu bra can run you about $40+. If it's just an inexpensive one time thing, then glue away! I made friends ridiculous Valentine's Day shirts this year for pictures with Fruit of the Loom tees.

The groom-to-be was easy! I got Bobby a six-pack (found a bright green tin beer holder) and a good-bye card. Bobby can get crazy off of beer so we love joking with him about it, he's rarely "allowed" to have him some brews-ha!

These gift ideas can be used for different occasions, you'll just need to theme them appropriately. I once made a "birthday suit" for a friend using a nude bra and bottom from American Apparel. You can always email me if you need help too!

Congratulations Mar and Bobbo!! I love you!

...And they lived happily ever after...

Channel your inner bride:
Between all the Kate Middleton press (who didn't love her wedding dress?!) and thinking about my future duties as Marlo's Maid of Honor, I am loving white, especially white lace. You can imagine my excitement when the most recent WhoWhatWear Trend Report found it's way to my inbox-- white lace dresses! I DO! xo

Hopeful Hummus

After reading Natalie's post it inspired me to come up with my own hummus recipe! Of course, it needed to not only be healthy but easy and taste great too. 
Me and my sister Marlo cooked for family and friends on Mother's Day and fearlessly tried out some new recipes (family will always love your cooking just for attempting, right?). Most of the preparing was managed to be completed before anyone got to our house, so it was after they tried our creations (and liked them) that we then admitted we made them-ha! 

Days like this are the best. The house filled with evening sun, laughter, country music and the occasional snap of dad's finger as he aimlessly whistles mom's favorite radio tunes!

3 cans chickpeas, drained, liquid reserved
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Trocomare, spicy herb seasoning salt
Sea salt

Serves a "party size" amount.

In a blender add chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, lemon and a pinch of sea salt. Blend on low speed, if necessary gradually add reserved bean liquid, increase speed and blend until consistency is as desired. Add a few shakes of Trocomare then blend and repeat until it tastes good to you! 
Refrigerate for about 30 minutes-an hour.

Add a spoon full of plain non-fat Greek yogurt on top (not necessary) and dip with raw veggies, pita chips, or any other finger food.

I love Trocomare seasoning and use it on all kinds of things, it's spicy but salty too, plus all organic. A lot of hummus recipes call for Tahini (sesame paste), but I really don't think you need it and leaving it out will save you from adding extra calories. 
Skinny Crisps (made with almond and chickapea flour), are a perfect low-carb option and taste great with hummus. You can find Skinny Crisps and Trocomare at Whole Foods. 

Homemade appetizers are extra special and guests will appreciate the added effort, especially that mama in your life!
Meet my mom, Tams! xo

Meet Natalie

Thanks to a double date, Natalie and I became friends and have so much in common I wonder how I ever managed without her! Thoughtful and open-minded, she is just as much beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Don't let her charm and pint size full you, she loves kickboxing and packs quite the punch! 

Name: Natalie

Age: 22

Healthful Tip: Drink lots of water and try everything at least once! 

Hummus is Yummus… and good for you!

            

Yes, it is true! You can have a delicious snack that is good for you and tastes great! Take a trip down the Mediterranean coast and there you will find the goddess of all snack dips, hummus. Although it comes from humble origins, made mostly as an appetizer dish in the most modest of households along the Mediterranean, it packs a double punch of flavor and nutritional value! Two large tablespoons have only 50 calories and contain at least 1 gram of protein. Pair this dip with raw vegetables like carrots or celery and you have yourself a healthy and filling snack that will satisfy you until dinner time. Plain hummus not good enough for your exotic palate? These days hummus is made in a variety of flavors, including jalapeño, roasted red pepper and garlic herb and can be found at almost every local grocery store! So eat away without a care! … Wait, I take that back, one downfall of the miracle snack… because it contains both protein and carbohydrates (as any other legume does) it digests slowly, keeping you full until your next meal, but it can create some… uncomfortable bloating? However to avoid this unappetizing effect make sure you pair it with raw vegetables (like the ones suggested above) and not meats and fruits! Doing this will make sure you can snack happily in all situations! 

Nothing beats my mom's homemade hummus, but Trader Joe's does have a great selection.

Love, 

Natalie

The purpose of this blog is to help friends. It's a place to share and learn from each other; all types of girls in their 20s with different lifestyles and many different interests. I'll be introducing friends and family from time to time, they'll post on their favorite tips or how they incorporate health into their lives! 

Wanna join us? Email me at: A.dDress.MollyMY@gmail.com. Share something healthy you enjoy! We want to try it too!! xo