A+ Plan - Feel and Look Great! www.aplusplan.com

Today's Reminder

2012-02-02T22:54:00.000-05:00

"Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world right in the eye."

- Helen Keller

It doesn't matter what someone says to you, how they say it, or how they look when they're saying it.

What matters is how you feel about yourself when they're talking to you. Keep your head up and look them right in the eye, with a smile in your heart and confidence. You know who you are. You know what you're about and no one can make you feel otherwise.

Keep that in your head tomorrow - be you and be proud.

Aaah...what to get the person you love...

2012-01-31T22:51:00.000-05:00

Whether you're celebrating your love for someone else or for yourself this year, giving the gift that allows that person to feel and look their best is the best gift you can possibly give.

Whether you're looking for nutrition guidance, exercise tips or instruction, fashion styling, or another one of my personalized consultations / programs, I want to help you give the most amazing, unique and special gift.

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT CERTIFICATES, PROGRAMS, CONSULTATIONS, AND MORE AVAILABLE TODAY.

* Special for blog viewers, Facebook followers, and Twitter followers:

$50 off of any 6 month or annual program if you sign up prior to 2/14/12!

www.aplusplan.com

SAG AWARD FASHION 2012

2012-01-31T22:29:00.000-05:00

No, I didn't watch any awards....

...but I did keep up with the fashion!!!!!

ROSE BYRNE
My FAVORITE of the night. I would TOTALLY wear this - from the hair to the jumpsuit to the clutch...love!
Thank you for the great design, Elie Saab!

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

ASHLEE SIMPSON

From teen pop star to glamorous Ashlee in Jenny Packham ...with a '20s feel and a sultry side...

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

EMILY BLUNT

Thank you for adding some color, and what a beautiful color it was! The Oscar de la Renta gown looked gorg against her pale skin, bright eyes, and dark hair color.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

VIOLA DAVIS

Aaah Marchesa...I could tell from the first glance...
Viola, you are not only a beautifully talented actress, but you looked like a true star in this dress.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

MICHELLE WILLIAMS

Valentino, the bright red color, the delicate lace....

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Diana Agron also looked great!
Worst of the night? Heather Morris

EGGS GALORE!

2012-01-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

My son has been craving eggs lately, which is an awesome craving to have...

choline for a healthy brain and memory function
omega-3 fatty acids for brain (smarty!) and eye development, and to keep the mood good and stable
great protein

So here he enjoyed his craving of a 7-grain waffle (good complex carb for energy!) with applesauce and cinnamon, eggs, and a minute later, a healthy spinach egg roll.

What a weekend breakfast, full of healthy carbs, protein, good fats, and antioxidants!

Get your kids to eat well too!

www.aplusplan.com

FRUIT & VEGGIE STORM!

2012-01-26T22:22:00.000-05:00

I have been on such a rampage lately - a fruit and veggie rampage!

I want to go to the food store and buy tons of fruits and veggies - all different colors, various shapes and textures... and this might sound kooky, but it's exciting!

I love seeing all of them in my basket, unloading them into my refrigerator, and cutting them up for cooking or fruit salads (BTW - Did you see that my fruit salad recipe was published?! Here's the book!).

I hadn't been food shopping with my son in awhile, but he came with me today. A big smile came over my face when he ran to the other side of the middle aisle and exclaimed, "Mommy...veggies!!!!" He was so thrilled!

Are you eating the same 2 vegetables and fruits over and over again?
Try something new!

And remember, when you're ready to improve your health and feel and look your best, you're ready for the A+ Plan.

www.aplusplan.com

Aaah winter white blazer

2012-01-24T22:59:00.000-05:00

Credit: Flynet; Doug Meszler/Splash News Online; John Sciulli/Getty

I'm super into the white blazer for winter. It's clean, fresh, and yet still a reminder of snow (in a good way!).

Credit: Hellmuth Dominguez/Pacific Coast News; Splash; Jason Merritt/Getty

See more about BLAZERS here!

Michelle Williams

2012-01-22T21:58:00.001-05:00

Wow - Michelle Williams dyed her hair strawberry blond, changed her makeup routine, and has really been working her body where every piece of clothing is looking amazing.

Miu Miu dress:

Credit: Alexandra Wyman/Getty

She reminds me of Audrey Hepburn here:

What do you think? Do you love it?

pics from US weekly mag and People Mag

Another one down!

2012-01-22T21:52:00.000-05:00

Today I became certified as an ACE Group Fitness Instructor!

I am really looking forward to having the opportunity to teach all of you in a group setting, with certification, clarity, and vision.

The test consisted of step, aquatic, aerobic, yoga, spin, and other group settings. I loved the variety, and although that made it more complex, it gave me additional knowledge that I can bring to others in my classes.

Last year, I started really focusing on learning more and attaining additional certifications. I am still on that path and am truly enjoying it.

Years after becoming a certified Health Counselor, and many many years after starting my journey with food intolerances and nutrition, I yearned for more, and I am so glad I am increasing my knowledge and expertise even more to benefit YOU.

Learn more here:
www.aplusplan.com

Snow Weekend Expected

2012-01-19T20:47:00.000-05:00

For those of us in the NY metro area, we are expecting snow this weekend and what a perfect excuse to stay in and get cookin'! Literally!

What new recipes can you try?

How about a slow-cooking soup? Baked apples? A good fish dish?

Relax your mind and body with some rest and relaxation, maybe some yoga...and some healthy, comfort food.

Remember that you have one body -take care of it.

xoxo Amanda

Work Week of Blazers

2012-01-19T20:06:00.001-05:00

I thought it'd be fun to take a work week's of photos to show the variety blazers can add to your work wardrobe.

Blazers don't have to = boring or stuffy.

You can have fun with your style no matter where you work!

From texture to shape to pattern to every detail in between, you can have a closet full of blazers to fit every mood.

Which is your favorite?
Don't be afraid to pair them with dresses and skirts too for winter!

Angular, double-breasted for some extra flair:

Tweed collarless blazer shown with and without metal shoulder tassles (depends on your job!):

White, tuxedo:

Pinstriped:

Strong shoulders, leather sleeves, and a bit longer:

The...GOLDEN GLOBES!!!

2012-01-15T23:21:00.000-05:00

SUMMARY OF THE NIGHT:

There were some very interesting dresses, which made this a night to remember in the fashion world. Boring? No way! This awards show, people BROUGHT IT. Everyone just seemed to be themselves and be proud to have their own style. LOVE.

Straps, no straps, one-sleeve, cap-sleeves, halters, long sleeves - it was all there!

The men didn't know when to stop with the spray tans.

The bow ties made a comeback - more bow ties than ties - hot. I used to be more into the ties, but I'm loving the old Hollywood glamour lately.

Blush / nude was the big color of the night.

Below are my BEST DRESSED OF THE NIGHT:

Who had the "look of the night?" ANGELINA JOLIE!

The shocking red lips, gorgeous color combination, and poised stature...she won me over at first glance.

(look below for photos!)

Nicole Kidman wore an embellished Versace dress, Fred Leighton jewels, Manolo Blahnik shoes, and a Roger Vivier clutch. I expected her to wear a solid, long gown, but this was a surprise that matched beautifully with her hair and eye colors.

Getty

Claire Danes wore the usual and predictable column dress, but this time her waist was a bit higher, which lengthened her legs and looked gorg. The J. Mendel dress looked so much better on camera than in photos, but the strong shoulder details and great black and white combination were great.

justjared.buzznet.com

I wasn't in love with the makeup, but I do agree with the pop of lip color.

Heidi Klum looked sun-kissed in Calvin Klein. My favorite part? The back. Or lack there-of. The super deep vee back was so sexy, and the California look and dress length was fresh and fun for Heidi.

Getty

Reuters

Getty Images, Jason Merritt

Guiliana Rancic tried something different with a Monique Collignon gown for the pre-awards show. Very fun.

I'm still undecided about her awards show Basil Soda gown in the color of the night - nude. I'm just not sure if there's TOO much going on with it.

AFP / Getty

Piper Perabo's (with a tinge of purple) was so beautifully crafted, and I love the princess effect without going overboard (Theysken's Thoery Spring '12 collection grey dress).

Getty

Maria Menounos looked so vibrant like the sun. The dress showed off her healthy shape, and the silver accessories were a nice contrast to the golden tone.

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

Ariel Winter in my fav of all time, Dolce & Gabanna:

Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

She looked so appropriate for her age, and everything was paired together so perfectly, from the brightly-colored, tea-length dress, to the platform shoes to the side swept hair with the opposite sleeve being displayed.

Laura Dern looked so striking in an emerald full-length sequin v-neck dress with matching belt. The fit was perfection, the silhouette simple yet stunning, and the overall look youthful yet elegant.

Sofia Vergara worked out twice a day to look her best in her custom-made Vera Wang peacock strapless mermaid gown. Although I think that's a bit extreme since it's best in my opinion to fit to your body instead of forcing your body (that already looks amazing) to fit a specific ideal for a day. She's known for her body and I hope she realizes after this that she doesn't need to go to extremes to look and feel beautiful.

(Getty Images, Jason Merritt

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage.com; Jason Merritt/Getty Images; Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

Angelina Jolie - I can't even - the satin one-shoulder Atelier Versace gown's lines created a shape most women would envy, and the red overlap matched the clutch and lipstick so well. Usually that would look too "matchy matchy," but with the eye makeup and simple up hairdo, it was nothing less than perfect. The Lorraine Schwartz earrings and ring added the little bit of bling that took it to another level.

Adam Levine in Tom Ford - best dressed man of the night:

Love the large bow tie.
Emma Stone wore Lanvin so strongly that her "Superman" belt made complete sense. The deep plum color paired with a deep pinkish red was unpredictable with her hair color.

Getty

Shailene Woodley's simplicity paired with the details of her dress were so beautiful. At first glance, I thought the dress was too low, but then I saw that it was actually sheer on the top. I do believe then that the design was a bit low for her (always better to look pushed up than too low in that area!), but the details of the dress made up for it so well that she is definitely on my list of top contenders for best dressed.

Associated Press, Matt Sayles

Diane Agron - I didn't especially love the Giles Deacon dress overall, but I thought it important to mention that I DID love the top, and if the bottom was simpler or had cutouts instead of lace, it would've been amazing - aaah that red...

Salma Hayek reminded me of a statue at first, but as they panned the camera down, I saw the lines (literally), and I saw the beauty in the direction it led your eyes. Great illusions in this Gucci dress (SO Gucci).
I also noticed the dip-dye effect of her hair color to match her dress and thought that was a really cool thing to do.

celebrity-gossip.net

Sarah Michelle Geller - Love the dress - but not on her. It would look amazing on someone with dark, slicked back hair and a crimson lip. The bright blue would pop, but in a sexy, trendy way. I love the dress, so here it is on the list!

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Madonna wore a gorgeous Reem Acra gown. And the Neil Lane cross necklace and the gloves remind us that this is MADONNA.

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Opinions? I know you have them!

Miranda? I can't even...A - MAZING

2012-01-15T17:36:00.000-05:00

Source: AKM Images from Popsugar.com

What fun hair!

2012-01-15T17:34:00.001-05:00

leilashams.blogspot.com

People's Choice Awards 2012

2012-01-13T23:32:00.000-05:00

From eyes to lips, the makeup was AWESOME.

Credit: Getty Images (3)

And the clothing? Well, here were my favs of the night:

Miley Cyrus looked very elegant and futuristic with a sheer plunging neckline and Technicolor reflective panels - very cool. I didn't love the pink shoes, which made it a bit cheesy, but a nude shoe would've been perfect.

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

Julianne Hough brought the SEXY!

Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty

As I told someone the other day when they told me they liked my green shirt: "I am obsessed with kelly green lately." And here are two great examples of a bright green color done right.
Emma Stone and Nina Dobrev:

Credit: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for PCA

Credit: Vince Flores / AFF

Emma's outfit especially impressed me because of the details - from the studs on the ankles of the pants to the chains on the heels to the drapery and color coordination.

How great does Alyson Hannigan look?! Wow, in Alice + Olivia:

FilmMagic photo

I thought this was a really cool look and not the easiest to pull off. Carly Chaikin has the "grunge" look here, with the short dress, high heels, dark eyeliner, and messy hair.

FilmMagic photo

This guy (sorry - actor) would look great in an oompa loompa suit so yes, he looks great - very cool, laid back style:

cbs news

2012-01-13T23:17:00.000-05:00

Finally, McDonald's is making a real step to offering healthier kids meals!

Check out the article:

Cutting calories

Thoughts?

2012-01-11T20:41:00.000-05:00

Getty Images

Alexa Chung attends the Burberry Paris Boutique opening in Paris, France.

CROCHET

2012-01-11T19:52:00.000-05:00

These crochet dresses are super cute AND figure flattering. HOT!

Credit: Landmark/PR Photos; Rodrigo Varela/Getty; Jon Kopaloff/Filmmagic

Which shoes do you like best with crochet dresses?

APPLE PIE - SUPER YUM!

2012-01-09T21:22:00.000-05:00

I made AMAZING desserts last week. I had a day off, so what a great excuse to experiment in the kitchen and satisfy our sweet tooths without chomping on doughnuts ;

Before baking:

After baking:

Here's the recipe for Apple Pie. A+ Plan Clients - ask me about the super easy cookie recipe I made!
*Yes, A+ Plan clients get recipes and anything else that will help them look and feel their best. Become an A+ Plan client today! Not sure you want to start a full program? Start out with a couple of individual consultations!

APPLE PIE

On the search for an easy apple pie recipe, I found just that on Cooks.com, called, yes – you guess it, “Easy Apple Pie.”

Of course I couldn’t just go with a recipe I found! ;)

And so...below is the recipe, with my modifications in red:

INGREDIENTS:

* 2 Pillsbury All-Ready Pie Crusts (1 box) - 1 Arrowhead Mills Graham Cracker Crust (wheat)

* 2 cans Lucky Leaf lite apple pie filling - Out On A Limb Maine Apple Pie Filling - no sugar added (Maine Cortland apples, white grape juice, apple cider, citrus pectin, and spices

* 1/2 c. brown sugar - 1/4 cup organic dark brown sugar

* 1/4 c. soft butter - organic berry applesauce instead

* 3 tbsp. lemon juice - 2.5 tablespoons of lemon juice from a lemon

* 2 tbsp. ground cinnamon - or more!

* 1 tsp. nutmeg

DIRECTIONS:

Use first pie crust to line pie plate. Sprinkle pie crust with 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Add both cans of apple pie filling, butter, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and remaining brown sugar. Gently blend into apples. Top with second pie crust, molding it to the sides of pie plate. Pierce the top crust with a fork. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes or until brown.

Let me know what you think, and enjoy!

2012-01-08T22:58:00.000-05:00

Zara does it RIGHT

http://color-collective.blogspot.com

Today's 'lil lesson

2012-01-07T18:43:00.000-05:00

This morning, I went to take a mandatory Adult CPR course in order to take the ACE Group Fitness test.

One of the first statements made by the instructor was that even if most of us were there as a requirement, we should try to forget that reason and be present, focusing on the fact that we were going to be learning how to save lives. THAT was it for me.

I hope all of you in the NY area enjoyed a beautiful day in the sun. Reminder to be present and you'll enjoy and appreciate the little moments. I had CPR training and a great friend with a beautiful surprise remind me of that today.

Braided hair back...

2012-01-05T07:23:00.000-05:00

Ever in the mood to just put your hair back and call it a day? ;)

Gettin' rid of the junk

2012-01-05T07:21:00.001-05:00

I wrote about RESOLUTIONS in a blog post on Jan. 1st, and how I chose to set goals and look forward instead of looking into the past for what I want for 2012.

I'm sure many of you have set "resolutions" or "goals" to look and feel your best this year.

I'm here to help.

I truly feel my purpose is to help people, which I believe is the reason so many people (clients as well as people I barely know) tell me all about their dreams and fears and everything in between.

If you're ready to change for the better, I will guide you to a better place.

We can work on personalized nutrition guidelines, exercise and/or yoga, body concerns, the reasons behind your actions, relationship concerns, personalized fashion styling, and anything else relating to feeling and looking your best.

Let's get rid of all of the junk and start workin' it!

www.aplusplan.com

Emmy Rossum, Blake Lively and Heidi Klum do BRIGHT SUITS!

2012-01-03T22:34:00.006-05:00

Credit: Redstar/Polaris; Stephen Lovekin/Wireimage; George Pimentel/Getty

Especially obsessed with Blake's!!!!!

Winter Work Wear

2012-01-03T22:22:00.000-05:00

Dressing for the office can be tough if you want to look conservative yet still allow your personality to shine through.

I paired a pale green cashmere sweater (and heathered brown cotton long sleeve underneath) with dark brown footless tights, a brown leather snakeskin print pencil skirt, metallic boots, and gold drop earrings.

What kept it from getting too funky for the office? I kept it sleek with clean lines and solid colors. I also kept the jewelry to a minimum and didn't show too much skin. A simple hairstyle and natural makeup also kept it from being too flashy (Yay! Still able to wear metallic!).

Remember - one "funky" piece is acceptable if others are more subdued.

Do you get bored with your work attire? You CAN show your personality and still appear professional!

Try an A+ Plan Consultation or Shopping Trip and fast-forward YOUR career in 2012!

Who are YOU?

VITAMIN NEEDS

2012-01-02T10:24:00.000-05:00

I think it's important to review my vitamins, amino acids, and homeopathic drops and re-organize them according to my needs and the stock on hand. I do this once every few months.

Just because you were taking a vitamin 6 months ago doesn't mean you necessarily need that one today. And you might need some vitamins you hadn't considered. With the new year, take some time to review your needs and goals, and feel GREAT.