The A-List - Fashion, Style Inspiration, What to Wear to Work -Everything 'HOT & COOL'!

This is the #1 Weight-Loss Killer

A recent article in Women's Health Magazine asked 'What people thought was the biggest hurdle to successful weight loss?"

 

 

A. Not Enough Gym Time

B. A Bad Diet

C. Stress

D. The High Cost of a Healthy Lifestyle

 

THE ANSWER:  B  

 

"Food choices make a more significant impact, since you can take in literally hundreds of EXCESS CALORIES in minutes," says Lawrence Cheskin, M.D. Director of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's Weight Management Center. 

SOLUTION:

Women's Health suggests: 'When a craving hits, ask yourself, "Hungry or moody?"  If (you said, 'Moody') - think of another fix to solve the problem, like reading an uplifting quote". 

 

We like ones from Dr. Stephen P. Gullo - author of "Thin Tastes Better" and "The Thin Commandments".

"It's better to WEAR Italian - than EAT Italian". (Think Versace, Gucci or Dolce & Gabbana!)

"White and Green = Lean and Mean" - (for example: When wondering what to eat: Choose: Chicken breast (white) and broccoli (green)  or Fish (white) and salad (green)."

 

Happy munching... xx The A-List

 

Eat Your Vitamins

You already know how important it is to get your vitamins.  But vitamin supplements can get reeeeeally pricey.  Below is a healthy and delish list of what you can eat to get some of your most important vitamins!  Bon Appetite! 

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Vitamin C
Citrus fruits
Berries
Tomatoes
Peppers
Cabbage
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cauliflower
Cantaloupe

Vitamin E
Vegetable oils (wheat germ oil is especially rich in vitamin E)
Wheat and other cereal grains
Green leafy vegetables
Egg yolk
Milk fat
Butter
Meat
Nuts
Organ Meats
Seafood
Avocados

Vitamin A 
Liver
Egg yolks
Whole milk
Carrots
Sweet potato
Kale Turnip greens
Mustard greens
Pink Grapefruit
Broccoli
Cantaloupe
Apricots
Beet greens
Collard greens
Papaya
Red Peppers
Cheddar cheese

Zinc 

Lean meat
Seafood
Eggs
Green leafy vegetables
Soybeans
Peanuts
Whole Bran
Whole cereals
Cheese
Oysters

Lutein & Zeaxanthin (these help your eyes!)
Kale
Collard greens
Spinach
Parsley (not dried)
Celery
Broccoli
Lettuce
Green peas
Pumpkin
Brussels sprouts
Summer squash
Corn
Green beans
Green peppers
Cucumbers
Green olives

 

Happy eating!  xx  The A-List 

What To Eat Saturday Morning: Turkish Eggs #Yum

As you A-Listers know - we're big fans of London and in particular, the neighborhood between Mayfair, Oxford Street and Regent's Park, called Marylebone.

(Read all about it). 

 

One of the best restaurants on Marylebone High Street (ok..THE best restaurant) is 'The Providores' - Renown British Chef, Peter Gordon's tapas-baby.

One of the most popular items on the Brunch menu is his "Turkish Eggs".   They sounded a bit weird at first but once we tasted them - it was Love-At-First-Bite. 

 

They're super simple to make with just a few ingredients so we thought… why not bring some British to your Saturday morning… 

Enjoy! 

Peter Gordon's "Turkish Eggs"

Ingredients

• 8 eggs
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
• 300g of Greek yoghurt, thick
• 50g of unsalted butter
• 1 tsp dried chili flakes, or 1 finely chopped red chili
• 50ml of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 sprigs of dill, or flat parsley, shredded
• 100ml of white vinegar
• 1 tbsp of dill, cut into 1cm lengths
• 1 tbsp of flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped

1. Add the yoghurt to a bowl with the garlic and whisk together for 10 seconds to combine. Set aside at room temperature until ready to serve

• 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
• 300g of Greek yoghurt, thick

2. Add the butter to a pan and cook until a pale beurre noisette is achieved. Remove from the heat, add the chilli flakes and swirl the pan gently, allowing the flakes to sizzle. Stir in the remaining oil and the chopped dill, then set aside in a warm place

• 50g of unsalted butter
• 1 tsp dried chilli flakes, or 1 finely chopped red chilli
• 50ml of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 sprigs of dill, or flat parsley, shredded

3. Bring a large pan of water to a rapid simmer, then add the vinegar. Add the eggs and poach to your liking - never add salt to the water when poaching eggs, as this causes them to break up

• 100ml of white vinegar  
• 8 eggs

4. To serve, divide three quarters of the yoghurt into warmed bowls. Add 2 poached eggs to each bowl, then serve the remaining yoghurt on top of the eggs. Sprinkle dill and parsley over the top, then spoon over the chilli butter. Serve immediately

• 1 tbsp of dill, cut into 1cm lengths
• 1 tbsp of flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped

 

Enjoy!  xx  The A-List 

 

Our 7 Favorite Tips From WH's 'Next Fitness Stars'

Women's Health Magazine recently held their annual contest for their next 'Fitness Star'.   While there could only be one winner - EVERY TRAINER had a few really great fitness takeaways… Here's our faves: 

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(While working out) 'Your muscles may burn, but your joints - think back, neck, knees, hips - should never hurt."

"Pushups and planks - Done right, they're two of the best, sometimes under appreciated moves".  (not to mention easy to do - ANYWHERE!).  To make them most effective, trainer Rachel Nicks says, "You should be squeezing your butt and Kegels the entire time"!

Two of, Rachels' get-ready-quick-post-workout beauty products:  1. L'Oreal's Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black - (also made our 'Master List!')  and 2. Kelley Baker 'Barbie Lip Glaze'. 

"Ask someone else to make you a playlist."  "Not knowing exactly what I'm going to hear makes (you) more engaged and excited during my sweat session."

"… I think every (one) should work on their pull-ups.  Nothing sculpts your back better - plus it feels super empowering!"

Trainer, Christine Bullock's workout strategy while traveling (even great when not!): "Keep it simple!  Choose five or six basic body-weight exercises and do 10 reps of each.  Aim to do two or three total rounds."  Her faves: plank, bridge, squat jump, side plank, lunge and pushup.

Christine's favorite fitness lesson: "I focus on what I gain from being fit: I have all -day energy, I sleep better, my mood is balanced and positive and my skin glows.  I work out to boost my overall strength and athleticism and in turn, my confidence. 

Fitness Expert - Lisa Tanker-Potts

Giveaway Alert!  

(You're THIS CLOSE to having the bikini-body you always wanted - but first...)

It's post-Thanksgiving.  Have you begun to resemble an actual turkey.  Do you have the jiggly, neck gobbler? Did your workout routine consist of 12oz curls and cheese-ball dead-lifts?   

Then we've got the antidote to all those second helpings that will get you out of your lounge-chair and into your 'Leger - just in time for the Holidays.

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Fitness Expert, Lisa Tanker-Potts

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We first 'met' fitness-expert, Lisa Tanker-Potts through her inspirational and encouraging tweets on Instagram - "Try 2 different machines or some Plyo today at the gym".  Then we saw the incredible transformations of her clients - not to mention her own phenomenal physique - on her website.  Armed with delicious, healthy recipes (kale, asparagus and sweet potatoe hash) and challenging yet fun, fast  workouts - we knew she was the one to get the 'junk outta the trunk'...

So we had to ask..."Lisa Tanker-Potts, fitness champion and the brains behind 'Boutique Body Fitness' and the 30 minute BIKINIOLOGY workout - What's on YOUR A-List?"  

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Are there some exercises that we should make sure to have on our workout list?

-- Squats and lunges for nice legs

-- Total body Plyometrics for a long lean body

 

What's the one (or more) food(s) that women should or should not have in their diet. 

Definitely, the foods to avoid to keep a nice lean body are: pasta, soda, bread and sugar

Any other fitness related tips?

The key to a lean body and nice abs is proper nutrition first. Focus on eating whole fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish (if you eat them), healthy carbs like quinoi, brown rice and sweet potatoes and healthy fat like avocado, almonds, and wild caught salmon. Couple your nutrition with cardio and weight training and you will have the body you desire!

Ok, a few more things...

Favorite Beauty Product? 

Arcona Toner Tea Bar

Favorite Cosmetics? 

Becca Mineral Powder and MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

Last Fashion item you bought?

Versace Eyewear

What is one item that you use EVERY DAY?

Neutrogena SPF 30 

Go to outfit you always look great in?

Bebe Leggings and Jacket! ("Oh so simple and Sexy")!

What’s always on your Grocery List?  

Wild Caught Salmon, Scallops, Strawberries, Almonds and Simply Orange Orange Juice!

Who do you follow on Instagram or Twitter?

Oprah, Oprah, Oprah and Oh, did I say Oprah ;-) Queen Latifah and The Biggest Loser.

Any “Home” or Décor tips/tricks or products?

Z Gallerie Table Settings are a great way to bring life to a dining room table!

Best Gift You Have Ever Received?

Life, my son and the opportunity to create my own Life.

Best Advice or something you’ve learned in your career?    

Follow your gut and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision.      

What would you say that you are BEST at?

Coaching women to improve their health and using that discipline to accomplish goals that they thought were unachievable.

What else would you like to do or accomplish?

Become a Nationally Renowned Media Fitness and Lifestyle Expert as well as Speaker. 

(we say, she's on her way!)

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And now, to get you in your best shape ever, Lisa is giving away 10 of her "30 Minute - Total Body Workout and Meal Plan - Bikiniolgy Fitness Program DVDs" -  to you A-Listers! 

To enter: Email us at: [email protected] with 'BIKINIOLOGY' in the subject line.  The first 10 emails will win.  Good Luck and see you at the beach! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Or to get your own DVD go to: 

http://www.boutiquebodyfitness.com/pages/dvd 

Train in Atlanta - www.boutiquebodyfitness.com

Follow Lisa: 

Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / YouTube

  

Congratulations Lisa Tanker-Potts!   You Just Made, The A-List

 

These 8 Things Got Our Attention This Weekend. Did You See Them? #Discover

 

STYLE Sure Paris Fashion Week is more renown, more dramatic (more expensive), but here at The A-List, we're big fans of the more creative - yet wearable - collections that are being shown right now at London Fashion Week.  Over the last few seasons it's the London designers that have really created the trends that we are seeing in mainstream fashion. (Hello Prints-on-Prints!).  Take a look at some of the Highlights from Day 3 and see what you think... And if - like us - you're dying to shop the Topshop Unique Collection right now - YOU CAN!

BEAUTY You know how we love a list.  So when Allure's editor-in-chief, Linda Wells said their team tested 37,000 beauty products (Seriously?! 37,000?  Where are all these products?) and deemed these the best under $30 (with several under $10), we had to take a look.  Our favorite? Maybelline New York's 'The Nudes' eye shadow palette. 

GIVE The best gift is a gift-that-gives so we're all about this nail lacquer collection by 'Colour Gossip'.  Each of the cool, en-trend' shades gives back to a specific charity.  Look haute for Fall in this 'Patriotic Blue' that benefits the fallen heroes of 911 through 'The Uniformed Firefighters Association Widow & Children's Fund and 'The Patrolmen Benevolent Association Widow’s & Children’s Fund and another must-have is 'Remember Me' in this season's top color - burgundy - which benefits the Alzheimer’s Association (Alz.org).  There are so many shades to choose from that you can stock up on friend's and family's favorites and even get a jump-start on that certain holiday that's closer than you think... 

SHOP Speaking of fashion week.  Joseph Altuzarra is one of the fashion darling's favorites.  The Altuzarra for Target Collection hit stores and online over the weekend.  Many pieces were sold out on Net-a-Porter but there are still plenty of pieces at Target.com.  Did you shop?

TRAVEL This list of the best inns and hotels in America to view Fall colors and foliage made us want to get packing. 

BEAUTY There were lots of cool things on actress and singer, Mandy Moore's Beauty List for Byrdie.  And speaking of 'Bests', we're still amazed by these seriously hair-changing products that this top-stylist told us about. 

EAT We're all about the low-carb trend these days so we're counting the minutes until we can try this "Jalapeno Popper Chicken" recipe and these Sriracha Turkey Meatballs.

FIT There's a fun interview on Health.com with NFL Reporter and DWTS co-host, Erin Andrews and how she stays so fit here.  Judging from the gorgeous photos, we'll definitely be trying her go-to fitness class, 'Physique 57'.

 

Happy discovering    xx   The A-List

 

These 7 Things Kept Us Busy This Weekend. Did You Seen Them? #Discover

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HOME We had to laugh at these 13 Things a Woman Should Never Have in Her Home... are you guilty?

EAT In our ongoing quest for "Easy-Fast-Healthy", we'll be trying these 21 delish sounding recipes.

WEAR You may have noticed that one of the Top-Trends that we just featured in our 'Turbo-Charge Your Closet' post is 'Layering Delicate Jewelry'.  Some of our favorite pieces are these stunning 'Body Chains', 'Amulet Hand Chains', necklaces and delicate earrings from these two charismatic, "artistes and bon vivants".  Let the layering begin. 

BEAUTY A-List Beauty Editor, Kendra Richards first turned us on to the brilliant beauty site 'B-Glowing' when she debuted her 'Heir Atelier' UK launch there.  Since then we've been repeat-offenders and can't stop ogling these Paul and Joe Beaute products including their lipstick cases inspired by their clothing line. #GreatGiftIdea

FIT We've been so inspired by A-List Entertainment Editor, Leeann Tweeden's commitment to getting back her (much photographed) bikini-body by hitting the gym... BIG TIME.  (Make sure and check out her progress on her FB Page.)  Her gym, @Archer_Athletics has some major words of inspiration on their floor so we thought Lee would look hot in these. 

SKIN The right skincare is such a personal quest.  Often the big beauty companies don't take into account those that need a more natural, pure approach.  When one A-Lister asked us where she might turn for a simpler approach to beauty - we told her to take a look here.

PETS And finally, we found ourselves transfixed on this Pinner's page featuring beautiful photos of our best friends. 

 

Happy Discovering    xx  The A-List

 

Shop All The Cool Stuff That Celebs Got At The Teen Choice Awards! #TheList

Sunday's Teen Choice Award's Backstage Suite for 'Gift AND Giving' had such epic gift-bags and donations that everyone went home a winner. 

Get your mouse ready cuz you'll want to #ShopToIt

Zendaya, hams it up at the 'Backstage Creations' Celebrity Retreat for Gift & Giving _________________________________________________________________

The 2014 Teen Choice Awards, hosted by Tyler Posey ('Teen Wolf') and Sarah Hyland ('Modern Family') celebrated the hottest teen icons in television, music, film, sports, fashion, comedy and the web.

The show featured performances by Demi Lovato featuring Cher Lloyd, Jason Derulo, Becky G, Rixton and MAGIC! and had the whos-who of the teen-set in attendance including: Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Bella Thorne, Kim Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Lea Michele, Donald Sutherland, Lucy Hale, Shailene Woodley, Tyler Blackburn, Keegan Allen, Jordan Sparks, Chloë Grace Moretz, Paul Wesley, Zendaya, Josh Hutcherson, Nikki Reed, Fifth Harmony and more.

But the real scoop was what was happening backstage in the "Backstage Creations", 'New Hampshire Oceanside' lounge experience/celebrity retreat (created for 'Backstage Creations  by Randy Fuhrman Events.)  Not only did guests get to take home the best of what's new/hot/best but some major donations were made by Hasbro who donated toys and games worth $5,000 to the City of Hope hospital, and Trapper Keeper®, who helped donate $50,000 worth of school supplies to the Kids in Need Foundation.

The best kind of event... One that gives... and GIVES!

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Celebs got to snag the coolest must-have's including: 

The Dell Venue 8 Tablet (Scoop: Heart of Dixie’s McKayley Miller couldn’t get enough of the Dell Venue 8 Tablet, stating “I'’m already obsessed with it and it’s only been two seconds!”) 

Game-God, Hasbro's most popular products like 'Simon Swipe'  and 'DohVinci' (Scoop: This had singer, Jordin Sparks exclaiming: "I'm stealing this to play with until my niece is older").

Olay Fresh Effects (one must stay 'camera-ready').

Cold Stone Creamery®  (Scoop: The 'Modern Family' boys loved this one)

Snackeez 2-in-1 Cup which lets you hold a 16 oz drink and your favorite snack all in one hand. (Scoop: We all need this including host, Tyler Posey who got one for both himself and his fiance). 

FLIPS AUDIO headphone technology (Scoop: Odeya Rush, the 'Olay Fresh Effects' Break Out Star Award winner, rushed into the suite to pick up a pair of the headphones for her flight later that night).

McFadin handbags (Scoop: Katie Leclerc of 'Switched at Birth' said the bags brought her close to home, stating, “"I’'m from Texas and I love the Texas Star on this brown one!”")

Sabra Hummus (Scoop: X-Factor winners, Alex and Sierra, made a b-line to the Sabra Hummus display as soon as they laid their eyes on it, saying "We only eat Sabra. It’s on our bus when we'’re on tour").

The Boodle Box (Scoop: 'Twilight Saga's', Nikki Reed was heard saying how cool she thought the 'Boodle Box' was and asked "Where was this when I was a teenager?!")

The Trapper Keeper® (Scoop: Yes...THAT 'Trapper Keeper - was very popular with 'Twilight Saga's', Nikki Reed and the WWE's 'Big Show' who after being asked whether or not he remembered the Trapper Keeper®, laughed and said, "“Oh yeah!  I graduated in 1990, I had the tri-fold Trapper Keeper").

(Scoop: 'Fifth Harmony' won the grand prize $10,000 donation in school supplies to aid underserved youth on behalf of 'Trapper Keeper').

The 'Zoomer Dino' and 'Zoomer Zuppies': (Scoop: 'Fifth Harmony' couldn’t contain their excitement about the adorable gadgets.  The girl-group sensation especially loved the fact that you can create your own music with them. zoomerdino.com & www.zoomerpup.com   

Also included in the gift bag was:

The Colgate® Optic White^TM Toothbrush + Whitening Pen 

The Logitech Bemo - a social video camera that turns your adventures and everyday moments into movies, and lets you share them on the go.

Logitech Mice - The 2014 Logitech Color Collection featuring their most popular, computer 'mice' featuring a pattern and color for every mood, personality and style.  

Poketti® Plushies with a Pocket - Designed by a 14-year old young entrepreneur, Poketti Plushies are soft animal pillows with a useful pocket on the back to hold your phone, a notebook, glasses, or other small treasures. 

Wackytivities Kinetic Sand by Spin Master - Crazy sand that oozes, moves and melts through your fingers like a slow-moving liquid, but leaves them completely dry. Shape anything you want and use it over and over again. 

Andrew Mitchell Fitness - Learn how to sculpt the body you need with 3 one-hour training sessions led by Los Angeles trainer Andrew Mitchell. 

Personalized bookmarks by 'Invitation Consultants' - The perfect way to express your style and keep organized! 

'Rolf Bleu' Hands-free Chanel inspired purse/phone case and iPad mini cross body case - You don't have to sacrifice fashion for function!  

The Audiovox ShutterBall - 'ShutterBall' is a Bluetooth powered remote shutter that pairs your smartphone camera via an app that allows you to take epic selfies, group shots and videos without having to endure the contortions of pressing the trigger on your smartphone!  Never be left out of that group photo again!  

The Zumer Sport Basketball + Football Duffel Bags - Made From Actual Sport Ball Materials. 

 

And now... your Christmas Shopping List is complete. Your welcome.

xx   The A-List 

 

5 Breakfasts You Should Be Eating To Start Your Day Right

Hey A-Listers - whatever you're doing tomorrow... start it off right with a healthy breakfast. (Plus you'll look better in your fabulous-faux-leather).

Here's 5 options that we can't wait to try... 

 

1. There's always time for a 2-minute 'egg-souffle' with a salsa kick.  

2. We might very well eat these Egg-White and Avocado Breakfast Tostadas every. single. day. (they'd even be great for lunch). 

3. Working out before work or just running late - we love the idea of sipping the 'Nutricious Yogi's' Faux Frappuchino Maca Monkey Energy Shake.

4. So there's a little more work to this scrumptious sounding Roasted Spiced Rhubarb with Dates and Yogurt concoction... which would be ok if you're hosting  guests or having a brunch.  For a daily twist we'd probably use strawberries and pre-roasted pistachios and pinenuts.  But what a combo!

5. Super-Trainer and PiYo creator, Chalene Johnson posted this delicious-ness on her Instagram:  "Toasted Raisin Cinnamon Ezekiel toast - One poached egg - Sliced tomato - 1/4 avocado - pepper to taste."  Yum.

And finally, this study says you can even have that piece of chocolate cake you're craving - just have it for BREAKFAST.

 

Happy breakfast     xx  The A-List 

 

Add These 10 Things To Your #Weekend Shopping List

We tapped into our 'A-List Experts - Master List' for these 10 things that you need to add to your #Weekend Shopping List. 

BEAUTY

Stila Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20

Skinceuticals Vitamin C E Ferulic serum

LaLicious Coconut Cream Sugar Souffle Scrub

MAKEUP

 YSL Mascara Faux Cils Volume Effet in 9 Noir Radical in 'Intense black

Furless Cruelty-Free Make-Up Brushes 

HAIR

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Arbonne FC5 Nourishing Daily Shampoo"

FRAGRANCE

Histoires de Parfums in Blanc Violette

STYLE

Sam Edelman heels

GIFTS / EAT

Book: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home

GO TO OUTFIT IDEA 

A-List Beauty Editor - Kendra Richards:  A great blazer by Theory or Helmut Lang in white or black.  Skinny jeans usually from True Religion or 7 for All Mankind in black or dark denim.  Great Booties.  A Simple V-Neck T-Shirt in black or white (I love the ones at Zara!  Inexpensive and work perfectly for me).  And one statement piece like a unique belt or statement ring.

Jaclyn Shanfeld: Fit and Flare mini Rag & Bone skirt, Valentino studded pumps, white t-shirt and a my cropped leather jacket from Acne.

 

Happy Shopping   xx   The A-List