Two-a-Days Triceps If You Please

Exercise 1:

Exercise 2:

Today's at-home exercise, can be accomplished by using fitness bands, will focus on the triceps. The bands that I use can be purchased on-line or at your local sporting store. My favorite brand is SPRI and they come in various colors that serve as the different levels of strength.

There are two different triceps exercises, that I will focus on today, that can be done by using the bands.

Exercise 1:

Stand, with your right foot, on one end of your band. Hold the other end of the band, right under the handle, with your left hand. Wrap the band behind your back. The foot left anchors you. Holding the band straight up in the air, position "A", bend your elbow behind your head, position "B". From position B return to A. Repeat this exercise for one minute then switch to the opposite side. If one minute is too much try 30 seconds on the right side then 30 seconds on the left side.

Exercise 2:

Stand on the band with both feet. Bend your knees slightly and lean forward as if you were going to ski down a mountain. Hold the band's handles in your hands and bend your elbow in an "L" shape so that it can act like a door henge. This is position "A". Straighten your arms backward so that your arms no longer are in the shape of an "L". This is position "B". From position B return to position A. Repeat these positions for one minute.

In no time you will begin to see shapely triceps develop!

Let me know how these triceps exercises helped you on Twitter: @CortneyBailey

Cheers!

Cortney a.k.a Cort

Missoni Madness: September 13

If you love the way the characters on the CW's hit TV show "Gossip Girl" dress and decorate but you just don't have the cash to make it happen, well now is your chance!

Set your smart phone alarm on September 13 because this marks the date that Missoni for Target is released and I have a hunch the items will go in a flash!

The Italian label, famous for its bright colors and zigzag patterns, covered everything from bikes and bras to stationary and skirts to ballet slipper flats and bar accessories in their 400-plus-piece collection.

I think I want one of each please!

Tell me what your favorite item in the collection is on Twitter @CortneyBailey

Cheers!

Cortney a.k.a. Cort

B - M - W easy as 1 - 2 - 3

As times change so do many etiquette "rules". Can you wear white after Labor Day? Why not?!? I love my white jeans all year round, especially in Los Angeles. However, I do think there are many etiquette rules that need to be observed, in fact I own Emily Post's, larger than life, etiquette book - although I have to admit it is currently collecting dust.

One dinner etiquette rule that drives me nuts is when someone does not know which bread plate belongs to them. I have attended countless dinner parties where either my date or the random person sitting next to me steels my bread plate and my bread is left homeless, sitting in my hand, while I try and figure out where to place it. If your "Momma" forgot to teach you a few of the basics I would highly encourage you to learn! I know, I know many of you are thinking, "who cares!" Well, let me tell you I care and believe it or not so do many others. Many corporations now employ a professional etiquette professional to teach their employees so that the employ will not embarrass themselves OR the corporation.

So let's take baby steps. It really is very simple. The next time you find yourself setting a table or at a dinner and you forget where the basics are to be placed just think, "B - M - W", like the car: Bread - Meal - Water! Easy as 1 - 2 - 3! Your Bread plate sits to the left of the Meal plate while your Water sits to the right: Viola B - M - W!

Let me know what etiquette topic you think need to be eliminated, talked about or added in life on Twitter: @CortneyBailey

Cheers!

Cortney a.k.a. Cort

Look Carefully - Vapor

These Vapor Barstools are my newest obsession! I love them so much that I just bought them for my place. Sold at CB2 these molded acrylic chairs seem to appear out of thin air. They are sturdy, comfortable, easy to clean and blend into any environment. What a great find!

Tell me about your great fine on Twitter @CortneyBailey

Cheers!

Cortney a.k.a. Cort

Work Those Biceps

From time to time I will post easy, at home exercises that can be accomplished by using fitness bands. These bands can be purchased on-line or at your local sporting store. My favorite brand is SPRI and they come in various colors that serve as the different levels of strength.

Today's band exercise focuses on the biceps. Take the band's handles in your hands and then stand on the center of the band. If you would like to challenge yourself widen your stance to make the exercise more of a challenge. With you palms down by your side, facing outward, pull handles up to your shoulders and then back down to the starting position. See the photos above for a simple demonstration. Do the exercise for one minute.

In no time you will begin to see shapely biceps develop!

Cheers!

Cortney a.k.a Cort

No This is Not a Fashion Statement!

Somehow while working out I have managed to hurt my arm. I can hardly raise my arm without being in horrible pain. So, off to my doctor I went. After two X-rays, lots of probing, three shots and an prescription for a pain killer my doctor informed me that her office was out of slings. "No problem", I said "I will just pick one up at CVS while getting my Rx filled." Well the problem was on me. Not only did CVS and Walgreens not carry them, none of the medical suppliers I called had them in stock so, I did what any resourceful gal would do and made my own make-shift sling out of a scarf. Later, at a local Starbucks today I have literally had three different people ask me in their own way if I was making a fashion statement or if this was the new trend! I thought that was absolutely hilarious!!!

What resourceful things do you do? Tell me on Twitter @CortneyBailey

Cheers!

Cortney a.k.a. Cort

Lacquer Up TEXAS!

Over the years OPI has presented some pretty adorable nail polish collections. My girlfriends and I alway find it a real hoot to remember what color we are showcasing such a "Lincoln Park After Dark" and "I'm not Really a Waitress." Therefore I was very excited to discover that this Summer and Spring 2011 collection by OPI is none other than TEXAS - my home state! Yee-Haw! I can hardly wait to try on the newly designed nail lacquer. There are twelve new colors in all and here are a few of the names I like best (However I have to admit No Dallas reference OPI? Really!)

• Y'all Come Back Ya Hear?
• Its Totally Fort Worth It!
• Houston We Have a Purple.
• Don't Mess With OPI
• Do You Think I'm Tex-y?

What is your favorite nail polish and color? Let me know on Twitter as I'm always looking @CortneyBailey

Cheers!

Cortney a.k.a. Cort

Lavender Bliss

If you have not discovered Trader Joe's Lavender Dryer Bags then you are in for a treat! This product not only leaves your clothes smelling extra yummy and fresh but the bags are reusable to up to five times! The bags, which are filled with lavender seeds, can also be used for a variety of purposes. I like to put mine in my closet and inside my pillows to create a relaxing scent.

How do you like to use your TJ Lavender Dryer Bags? Tell me on Twitter @CortneyBailey

Cheers!

Cortney a.k.a. Cort

Royal Fashion Makes a Splash Across the Pond!

The Royals may have been splashed all over the news as they toured North America last week but to no surprise it was Kate Middleton that stole the show ... the fashion show that is! Dressed in high fashion as expected The Duchess looked classy yet stylish in all of her several wardrobe changes. Above are my top five favorite fashions worn by Catherine during the Royal tour.

What was your favorite? Tell me on Twitter @CortneyBailey

Cheers!

Cortney a.k.a. Cort

Don't Turn Your Pup Into A "Hot Dog"!

You love your dog, right? Then there is no need to turn him into an unnecessary "hot dog"! Pets can overheat just like us humans. Its been said hundreds of times before but if your pup cannot go inside a store with you then leave him at home! Rolling your windows down is not an option either because your car's temperature can rise over 120 degrees easily. Also, if your pet spends a lot of time outside below are a few signs and precautions to look out for before a heatstroke takes place. Last, don't forget to love, love, love you best friend - they love you more than you will ever know!!!

Signs of Heatstroke

• Panting
• Staring
• Anxious expression
• Refusal to obey commands
• Warm, dry skin
• High fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Vomiting
• Collapse

Precautions to take if your pet lives outdoors

• Ensure adequate shelter from sun/midday heat
• Outdoor kennels should be well-ventilated and in the shade
• Provide plenty of fresh water in a bowl that cannot be tipped over
• Avoid excessive exercise on hot days
• Talk with your local veterinarian to determine if your long-haired Fido needs a summer haircut

Tell me about your pet on Twitter: @CortneyBailey

Cheers!

Cortney a.k.a. Cort