Lululemon Love: How Lululemon Takes Your Workout to the Next Level

I'm going to put my law school hat on for a second and state something plainly. 
(Ironically, lawyers aren't actually able to do this).

Looking good while working on your fitness means you will really look good outside of the gym.

Statistical studies, pie graphs, dot chart things, TI-83's aside, I really think there are one of those correlation things going on when it comes to fitness fashion and results.

If you like what you're wearing and how you look when you're running, posing, spinning, hauling tires around or whatever you're doing that makes you sweat - your confidence soars and your overall performance is better.

Lululemon gear totally provides that sort of appeal and motivation. It's just plain adorable and I wish I could wear it everyday, everywhere, every way. 

When I'm wearing Lululemon, I don't worry about adjusting my clothes, or worrying about comfort because that's all taken care of. I can really really hone in on my routine.

A Canadian company, Lululemon manufactures and designs products that are amazingly comfortable, perform magnificently and are quite versatile. 

No matter your exercise: cross fit, yoga, running, tennis, swim, cycle etc. Lululemon has gear to get you going.

Here are some of my favorites, but it's all too cute for words.

Lululemon Love by aslongasitssouthern featuring lululemon

Activewear / lululemon / Flow And Go Tank II / Skirt / Hair accessory / Yoga On The Run Duffel *Canvas / Run

1. Flow and Go Tank: This tank top has a sexy back strap thing going on, plus it becomes more fitted towards the bottom, assuring you that your top won't flip up when you're in your favorite barre class. I'm also just going to throw this out there - it would look cute with shorts or white jeans or something for a causal spring/summer look.

2. Pace Setter Skirt: I don't own this, but I've tried it on and it's among one of my next purchases. You can wear this skirt to tennis or for running/walking.

I also have plans to wear it while I play caddy for my man while he's golfing. It's so important to be the cutest caddy at the club.

3. In The Flow Shorts: These things are awesome. The cut is flattering and hits you at the right places. The shorts stay in place while being active and I've never had problems with them riding up. Boys love them. They are fun to lounge in. They are fun to buy. :)

Also, In The Flow items are seamless and they are my FAVORITE. These things feel like butter on your skin. They are the most comfortable, most flattering fabric ever. I promise.

4. Run Stash and Dash Pullover: This pullover is light and easily packable for on-the-go situations. It is great for runs early morning or later in the evening when it's chilly. I like to pack it when I think it may rain. If you get the neon color, you're pollen proof.

5. Headband: I've tried all kinds of Lulu headbands and they are not one in the same. I have a TON of hair. The little skinny ones tend to slip off of my hair for two reasons: The grippies can't stand up to all the product (hairspray, root lifter) in my hair and I am partially Italian and sweat too much. Yeah, I know.

This one is awesome, however. It's wider and has more grippies and stays in place. The patterns that are available are cute (I love my polka dot one) and the colors are bright and cheery and adorable.

6. In the Flow Crops: Like the shorts, these crops are made with seamless fabric. It's so brilliant. The good Lulu people know what's up, y'all.

The crops are the most flattering crops I own (I've tried what seems like every pair ever made) and they scrunch up on the sides of the calves adding an extra little bit of darling.

When Lulu gets a new shipment, they sell like the same day or soon after the first. I'm serious they are that awesome. I'm wearing them right now.

7.Yoga On The Run Duffle: Am I a yogi? No. But I need this bag because it will help me carry everything I need, including the mat I use to practice barre stuff and to stretching and weights, etc. The print and color combo is chic and feels like spring and I love it.

*I also adore the Astro pant because you can get the most amazing patterns and colors at the waist to contrast the black pant. They make your backside look fabulous and because they are perfect for so many occasions. Every lady needs a yoga pant.

So check out Lululemon and join me and the legions of buckhead betties who sport Lulu when working out in the Peach State. 

Plus, the brand is so well regarded for a reason. The products are quality and does what it's supposed to do - which is to accentuate your performance.

Go visit my close friends at Lululemon (Betsy and Alyssa) at the Howell Mill Location or stop by the location at The Shops Around Lenox in Buckhead.

Cheers to looking good while getting hot,

B

FlyBarre: Hurts. But Oh My Goodness, It Totally Works!

Only months ago I wrote a post about my absolute obsession with Flywheel and trust me and my lululemons - that obsession is alive and well. Seriously, the results have been visible and most importantly, I feel so happy and confident about working out thanks to Flywheel.

But I wanted to throw another challenge into the mix, you know, kick it up a notch.

And Flywheel's baby sister, FlyBarre, was just sitting there in the fly studio all cute like and I knew I needed to just go for it and make a date.

Love hurts, y'all.

Blending yoga, ballet, dance, resistance training and cardio, FlyBarre works every bit of you - and then some.

And one thing I don't really do with consistency (mainly because I am just more of a cardio person) is controlled toning exercises. And well, you know the deal, a few lunges here, a few good-intentioned crunches there ... but it's never enough.

Even if I put a lot of effort into such a feat, it isn't always effective.  I think "It's not you, weights and medicine balls, it's me. And we can't just be friends, we're mortal enemies."

That's just sad.

Then FlyBarre swooped in with its sparkly cape and saved my fitness planet.

Ladies, ever heard of those "problem areas"?

*cough* *thighs* *abs* *triceps* *booty* *cough*

FlyBarre will take care of it for ya.

Ever heard of parts of your body you didn't know existed?? Uh ... yeah, me either.

Well have no fear, FlyBarre took care of all that too. You mustn't worry about googling unknown body appendages and such. They are just there and they ache after FlyBarre. Don't question them.

Despite all of this, FlyBarre is tons of fun. You can bond with fellow classmates, the music is great and you know that after your first class you can really get the hang of the choreography and positions.

Today I had class with Kelsey, a former Falcons cheerleader, and she was so sweet and I just am in awe of what she's trained her body to do. She's a great motivator.

The first class is absolutely free. Sign up here and get going.

All you need is yourself and maybe a water. They provide weights, towels, mats, resistance bands, squishy balls of torture, the oh so good kind of pain and the jams.


Raise your barre and try it out. See what I did there?

Cheers,
B

Buttermilk Kitchen is absolutely delicious, that is all.

Actually, that's not all. I need have to talk about how absolutely delicious Buttermilk Kitchen is. Oh my goodness it's awesome.

When I heard that Suzanne Vizethann of The Hungry Peach was opening a new breakfast/lunch restaurant in Buckhead I knew it would be a must-try.

The logic is simple: The Hungry Peach (located in ADAC) is phenomenal. It's southern, classic and just plain good all in one. My kind of place.

Suzanne is the chef behind the menu and a co-owner.  I've never had a bad meal there, I'm addicted to their chopped salad and the ladies there are my pals. I knew Buttermilk Kitchen would similarly bring a smile to my face and my belly.

So, if you mosey on over to Roswell Road where the former Cafe at Pharr was, you will find the recently established Buttermilk Kitchen.

The decor has a rustic/southern feel with beautifully bright murals and old south burlap furnishings. You feel like you're in a cozy-chic barn and it smells like you're in heaven.

If country biscuits, blueberry cobbler stuffed pancakes, crisp waffles, omelettes and chai oatmeal sound scrumptious to you, go there.

Also, there are BYOB fried chicken nights at Buttermilk Kitchen where you buy a ticket and eat like Colonel Sanders wish he could.

Need I say more?

Visit http://buttermilkkitchen.com/ and http://thehungrypeach.com/ and live life.



Tweet them @thehungrypeach and @buttermilkkitch.

Cheers darlings,
B

Drybar: My kinda place

Alli Webb once spent her days driving around Los Angeles to her clients' homes who needed her for her signature service: a blowout.

Today, she's at the helm of a $20 million operation known as Drybar. An idea born from the seat of her Nissan Xterra, Drybar brings blowouts at an affordable price point (only $35) to the masses.

With the mantra: "No cuts. No color. Just Blowouts." the bar focuses exclusively on styling your hair. Which makes it perfect for a night out, a date, or any special occasion where you'd like your hair to look marvelous.

At Drybar, the "bar" concept is personified, coming alive in each Drybar product and each aspect of the Drybar  experience. Clients can enjoy complimentary cocktails while sitting at the beautiful bar, while watching classic movies, and munching on snacks and sweet treats.

You can even get a floater (massage) with your speciality cocktail-inspired blowout.

Drybar Buckhead, next to Flywheel. Image courtesy of talkingwithtami.com

Care for  a Mai Tai, Manhattan, Cosmo, Straight Up, or Hot Toddy anyone? These are the different styles you can order at the bar. You can sign me up for a Southern Comfort. I love big hair.

Appointments are hard to come by, so book a week or more in advance via the Drybar mobile app or online. Of course, you can call, too.

In March, the Drybar product line launched and it is fabulous. The Drybar brush is wonderful and a personal favorite is the "Southern Belle" volumizing mousse. The buttercup blowdryer will be my next purchase. Moroccan Oil Products are also used.

So next time you have a date, or just want to be taken care of, consider Drybar.

Treat yourself, have a mimosa and get blown away.

Cheers darlings,

B

One Stop Beauty Shop: Woo Cosmetics, Buckhead

Hate dodging the wafts of perfume and the excited sales associates shoving blush brushes at your face in cosmetics departments? Yeah, me too.

There's a time and a place for all of that, but there's also a time when it's nice to just peruse beauty products without the pressure of buying and without the irritation that comes with big brand department stores. 

Woo Skincare and Cosmetics provides just that sort of luxury. 

Woo Skincare and Cosmetics

Tucked away in the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center off of Peachtree Road, Woo Skincare and Cosmetics provides top beauty products in a wonderful package: a no pressure environment with friendly associates who know and use the products and won't bother you until you need them.

Seriously, never have I walked in there without being greeted with "Let me know if I can help you, would you like a water or a cocktail or something while you enjoy looking?"

They are that kind and relaxed. What more could you ask for?

There's actually more, though. With visits from the big names themselves, (hello, Trish McEvoy!) and a full spa in the back of the boutique, Woo is a beauty powerhouse in a very laid-back, accessible environment.

Here are some of my favorite things to purchase at Woo:

Pla Beauty Lipglosses

Pla Beauty is an AMAZING line of beauty products created by an Atlantan lady who was inspired by her daughters (one of her daughters passed) and pledges proceeds to Children's Heathcare of Atlanta in her daughter's memory. What a beautiful gesture. I'm a huge fan of Pla Beauty, love supporting the brand and it's ONLY available at Woo to the best of my knowledge.

Trish McEvoy Beauty Balm

 Trish McEvoy has been a long-loved beauty line in my life. First of all, Trish is famous for her beauty organizer concept which is FABULOUS. More on that later. What means the most to me about Trish products is that Trish developed her product line with there dermatologist-husband so I trust the McEvoy line very much. It certainly is worth the money; her foundations and moisturizers (Beauty Boost is a life-changer) are the best things I've ever used for my skin.

Kai candle

 I was first turned onto Kai candles when the infamous store Blue Genes was alive and well at the Shops Around Lenox. They smell so fantastic and Woo is the only place that I know of that sells them. Kai also makes lotions I think and probably a few other items. You can't go wrong.

Dermalogica Products

 Admittedly, I've only used one of the Dermalogica products before, the Ultra Calming Serum. With travel and seasonal changes (when will it ever just stay warm?) my skin has just become so confused. Distressed, I went to Woo and the associate calmed be down and introduced me to Dermalogica because she used the same product to cure an allergy to a concealer. This stuff has WORKED. My skin is so much better, more moisturized and calm. Dermalogica products do what the associate promised, because she new from experienced. I credit her knowledge and expertise for helping me out.

Moroccan Oil Product Line

 Moroccan Oil is a god-send to the hair care world. The treatment oil seals the hair follicle, protecting your hair's luster and creating shine. The treatment oily can be applied as a mask (I do this while studying). The shampoo and conditioner is amazing as well as the masks. Woo even has the travel kits that will get you through airport security and will keep your tresses looking fabulous while jet-setting.

Trish McEvoy Beauty Organizer

I had mentioned that Trish McEvoy is famous for her organizer and rightfully so. Trish has created a system for organizing makeup that makes application (and packing) so effortless that I just can't contain my excitement about it.

Each makeup step: Foundation, Powder, Blush, Bronzer, Eye Base, Eye Concealer, Eye Shadow, etc magnetizes into a "beauty organizer page" and voila! you can flip thru your makeup like a book. It's so genius. There are smaller organizers available (highly recommend) that you can stash into your work tote or gym bag or what have you.

Woo has specials on the organizers, like the beauty planner that's available now in pink. You get about $400 worth of product for $150. They are SO cute, too. Love it.

If the broad range of product lines (Caudale skincare, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, YSL, Fresh, St. Tropez, Chantecaille and Giorgio Armani) aren't enticing enough, just think of the idea that a darling little beauty boutique offers the finest beauty can offer, right in your neighborhood.

No pushy sales to be made. No frustrating mall parking issues. 

Just beauty loveliness, all for you to enjoy.

Locations in Atlanta and Nashville, keeping it southern. <3

Thanks Woo!

B