PersonalMode

BOAT POSE AND THE THIRD CHAKRA

2013-05-16T01:30:00.002-07:00

Photography by CEBB /Pants from Terranova

There is something really rewarding about working out your stomach. It makes me feel strong and powerful, as if I could do anything. I can't really tell that I worked out if I haven't activated my abs. A great exercise to do so, is the yoga pose boat pose.

I personally do 3 series of 10 reps each. Start by holding the pose for about 3 breaths then lower both your legs and upper body to the ground, So it almost touches it. Then lift yourself back up, hold for a breath and lower again. Go go go!!! It may seem hard at first, but it is a good workout and you'll definitely feel the buuuurn. If that's a tad too much, you can simply hold the boat pose for a few breaths or do a half-boat pose with bent knees, as shown in the third picture. Maintain for 3-5 breaths or until you start shaking. The longer you hold the pose as your body is shaking, the more muscle you build. Release by doing Camel pose, a shown in the last picture. You will feel free and satisfied.

These exercises are responsible for opening the third chakra which stimulates the energy in the so-called Solar Plexus chakra. It is somewhere slightly above your navel and between your solar plexus. It corresponds to the yellow color and deals with the life force and the vital breath also known as chi. A weak Third Chakra can be identified by poor digestion or eating disorders, lack of confidence and inability of finding joy in simple things. To build up a strong third chakra, that will empower your career, intelligence, keep you happy and free you from inhibitions, do these exercises. I also love doing chakra meditaton, try this one is really nice. Both cleansing and relaxing, but also refreshing at the same time.

RAW WATERMELON CAKE

2013-05-08T02:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Maddy!!!

Super Raw Watermelon Cake Recipe:

Cut a medium size watermelon in layers

Mush 4 bananas with camu camu berry for the filling

Add pineapple between the layers

Garnish with 3 sour mangoes and sprinkle some cacao beans on top

Hope you liked your cake babe!! :))

AURORA FASHION WEEK

2013-05-02T22:22:00.000-07:00

The 7th season of AURORA FASHION WEEK took place in St Petersburg from April 15th till 21. As you know I love creative and beautiful things, and I was really impressed by some of the designers. Here are my favorite outfits from the runway.

1 - 2. Ianis Chamalidy. Flowy, gorgeous and elf like. Perfect for a cool Scandinavian mid-summer night party.
3. Lidia Demidova. Soft structure, styled and yet casual at the same time.
4. Pirosmani by Jenya Malygina. "-Beam me up, Scotty!"
5. Bondarev. Cute, but cool and classy, with some Mad Men vibes.

6. Chapurin. Really nice textures and colors, beautifully paired.
7. Leonid Titow. I think Leonid might be as obsessed with Game of Thrones as me. Love it!!!
8- 9. Gaetano Navarra. Strong cultural influence gives these outfits a diffident kind of silhouette from the norm.
10. Liza Odinokikh. Light colours can boost your mood. The yellow splash gives this look just that little extra kick of energy.

To visit the offical page go to www.afwrussia.com or check out more videos at FashionOne.
http://www.fashionone.com/programs/fashion-week/kaminsky-aurora-fashion-week-russia-spring-summer-2013

FREE LIKE A KING PIGEON

2013-04-24T21:24:00.001-07:00

Photography by Oliver Janesh Christiansen /Cloths from KohSamui

Two of my favorite Yoga poses are Cobra (like in the first picture) and Pigeon pose (like in picture number two). They both stretch and releases tension in the hips and lower abdomen. These poses are good for increasing flexibility in the spine. Add a twist; fancy it up to King Pigeon pose, the one as you can see in the last picture and it massaging the liver, spleen and kidneys too.

Both Cobra and Pigeon are associated with the 2^nd Chakra which is located just below your bellybutton. It’s said, that it corresponds to the color orange, hence my orange shirt ;). It deals with one’s creativity, imagination, sexuality and being comfortable in the physical body. Also has to do with your social skills and being able to relate in an open-hearted way, plus having a sense of humor. A weak second chakra may result in lack of confidence and a fragile sense of self-worth. That you get upset by others words and actions easy, but also that you can’t forgive yourself for past mistakes.

Time to change all that and upgrade your self-forgiveness. Everyone makes mistakes!!! Sure, there are consequences for all actions, but look for the lesson in your mistake to become a better YOU. Don’t punish yourself and believe that you’re unworthy of something. Never give up on yourself! Just SHINE, you’re OK they way you are! Mean it.

Originaly Posted on FashionOne

CRUELTY FREE MAKEUP

2013-04-18T00:14:00.000-07:00

I was SO HAPPY to hear that EU ban testing on animals earlier this year. Inspired me to do this blog post about some amazing make-up and beauty products that are already out there and Don't test on animals. Hopefully next year Peta's list is going to get much longer. If you want to check out the whole list it's here.

The following brands are some that I personally love, there all in different price ranged, and all been 100% tested on a human.

ME!

Aveda is my number one go-to company when it comes to hair. Absolutely adore it, I use the Invati Shampoo, it gives my hair extra thickness, a fresh feeling and my scalp get's squeaking clean. I alternate my conditioner between the Dry Rememdy and Damage Remedy, and I swear by the Damage Remedy Leave-in Conditioner .

I alos use some of their beauty products and really like them. Here are some of Aveda's best selling products.

The best thing about The Body Shops products is the smell. DELICIOUS! Their all so damn fruity. Prolly my favorite item is the Pink Grapefruit shower gel, really wakes you up in the morning and gives you that fresh start. Another yummy smelling thing is the coconut body butter, it's actually hard not to take a mouth full.

I do get people that are concerned with The Body Shop, it now is owned by L'Oreal and they Do test on animals. However Body Shop is still on Peta's list which is VERY strict so I trust that non of the indigents have been tested on cute little bunnies. :/

Another high quality brand is the earth friendly natural Personal Care Company called Burt's Bees. Try their Natually Nourishing Milk and Honey Body Lotin, Sugar Scrub and lip-balms.

Carmex also does animal friendly lip balms, use it on dry winter days to keep your lips kissable.

Two very different make-up brands I love equally are WetAndWild and Smashbox.

WetAndWild have a tones of great eye shadows lip jellies and nail polish at super low prices.

The high end Smashbox is a L.A brand and the favorite of tones of Hollywood starlets. Super potent and amazing quality. Their BB cream, O-gloss, mascara and Blush Rush are just a few best sellers.

Click here to check it out.

Take care of your skin with Dermalogica, Dr Hauschka or Murad. Not only are these cruel free brands but darling to your skin it's sex. Time to indulge.

Anyone that really knows me know that I'm passionate about hair.

Paul Mitchell is one of those few unbelievable hair care brands that can change your frizzy nightmare into cascading supermodel hair. Awarded with "the leaping bunny" they have never ever tested one of their products on animals. A philosophy I really like.

Wish Prada did more beauty products, it's a brand that not only stands for some amazing innovative and quality things but also care how they do them.

No, I didn't forget about you guys.

Well I haven't personal tested these, but going on the products they make for gals Dermalogica and Aveda does some great stuff.

Also it's usually easy to find The Body Shop in each mall and their prods are really nice too. One pleasant surprise is that Diddy also made it onto Peta's VIP list. I knew there was a reason I always like him when I met him in da Club.

WARRIOR ONE

2013-04-08T21:14:00.001-07:00

You know how much I like Yoga!! How great it is, not only for your body but also for your mind. But did you know that a lot of the yoga poses are linked to different chakras in the body? I thought it was a a good way to show you guys some different poses. In India a lot of people believe that chakras are the energy centers of spiritual power that connects the soul with the physical body. All of the different chakras represent various parts of your life, and if your having some kind of trouble in your life, your might have one of these chakras blocked or out of balance. I'm going to go threw each chakra, what they represent and what yoga poses are good for it.

Let's start with warrior one, hold the pose for 5 breath and you'll start to feel the burn. Not only does it really strengthen the legs and provides a good stretch to your arms and shoulders, supposedly it helps to opened up the root chakra. The root chakra is the first chakra and located at the base of the spine. It deals with one's connection to the earth, survival, passion, physical vitality, anger and warrior-like strength. A weak first chakra can be identified by lack of energy, lack of passion, lack of sexual desire, depression, inability to ground or center oneself and experience the present moment. Yeah, no thanx, I don't want any of that, I'd rather have warrior-like strength.

Pictures by Maddy Johnson /Top, shorts and accessories from Koh Samui

SPOILED AT CRIMSON

2013-04-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

Photography by Ryan Hager

Dress by Agencies turQuoise

If you ever get the option of staying at Crimson Hotel and Spa Mactan, go ahead and do it! We got an amazing huge room, their Beach Front Casita, with a great view, our own porch, a living room, a super comfy bed and complementary wine. I was really impressed by their lunch buffet and I don't think I've been that full since Christmas. Witch is really fitting because it felt like Christmas morning staying there. Another plus was that Saturday, Crimson had a huge party for Earth Hour, yummy treats were given out and I met a whole bunch of really cool ladys from Cebu!! I'm really starting to like it over here!! :)

A DAY AT THE OFFICE

2013-03-26T02:12:00.000-07:00

I've been spending quite a lot of time at the office, preparing for two different shows that are going to take place. I'm so exited to share all the info with you! Sooon, sooon the circus is going to start.^^ In the meantime I'm researching, sipping on some green tea, blogging, eating peanuts, eating coconuts and looking at the striking view now and then. To be continued...

CEBU WHITE SANDS RESORT AND SPA

2013-03-18T04:21:00.001-07:00

Had an great Sunday at White Sands! We just got a day-pass which is about.... 18US Dollar!! That includes lunch buffet, beach and pool hang. The beach is cute but pretty small, the pool is good, but the buffet is great! Lot's of vegetarian options, so that's a plus from me!!! Yeah, not bad for a Sunday-fun-day. Check out the resort here. :*

SUPERMODEL YOU BOOK LAUNCH

2013-03-15T01:04:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure of working with the top top model Sarah De Anna and have one of my illustrations published in her amazing new book, Supermodel YOU! It's all about bringing out your inner supermodel , no matter size or age. How to be the best version of yourself. And... There's actually an interview with me in the book too!!

Sarah is a pretty amazing girl, she overcame childhood poverty , graduated high school with honors, then put herself through college finishing ahead of schedule and went on to become an international high fashion model who's worked for Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Vogue, and countless others. Check out the book with shockingly healthy insider tips on Amazon!! http://www.amazon.com/Supermodel-YOU-Shockingly-Healthy-Insider/dp/140194020X

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN CEBU

2013-03-13T03:19:00.000-07:00

Alright big news! So I justed moved to Cebu to work for Fashion One!! Isn't Cebu such a gorgeous place?!!

Me and the girls spend the day on Sumilon island, just of the shore in the south of Cebu. We took the boat over there, enjoyed the sun and the ridiculously clear blue- turquoise water. I went around the island and found my own private beach, were I set up camp in the shade, meditated and did yoga! Perfect day!!! If you want to visit it, there's an amazing resort there, check it out! http://www.bluewatersumilon.com.ph/

GREEN YUMMY FOOD

2013-03-13T02:16:00.002-07:00

Some Delicious Fresh Inspiration! Follow me on *Pinterest*!!!

HANGING OUT WITH DISTRICTGAL IN ITAEWON

2013-03-01T01:49:00.000-08:00

Had a lovely dinner with DistrictGal at the Mexican place LocoLoca in Itaewon, she made a post on me! Check it out *here*!

Gosh, I'm not really sure how to even begin to explain the area Itaewon in Seoul. It's just a huge melting pot of different nationalities from all over the world, New Zealanders, Canadians, French, Italians, Middle Eastern and lot's of American soldiers, because it's so close to the army base, and it all works! It's probably my favorite area in Seoul, you can pretty much find any type of food. My favorites places are Zelen, an aaamazing Bulgarian restaurant and the yummy Thai place Buddhas Belly. There's also tones of bars like the classy Glam, B1 and Berlin or the more "ruff around the edges" Geckos, Bulldog, Bless You and SeoulPub. If your vising Seoul, Itaewon is a must see!

MY PICKS FROM NY FALL 13

2013-02-20T00:39:00.003-08:00

1-2. Victoria Beckham. Beautiful and classic with a little edge. Love the tuxedo- suit.

3. Jason Wu. What a head turner! The red color is great and the belt is fab.

4-5. Narciso Rodriguez. Clean, but with the right amount of color and flow. The different materials pair together works well.

6. Rodarte. Well, how cool can you get??

Pics from Style.com

SALAD TIP: Shiitake Mushroom & Bean Salad

2013-02-13T02:29:00.002-08:00

My dinner today was an awesome mushroom and kidney bean salad. I usually keep a base salad in the fridge, just ready to go. I mix tones of different kinds of green leafs, carrots and usually some cabbage too. This time I had yummy purple cabbage that has lot's of anti antioxidants. I lightly fry the shiitake and white mushrooms add some sea-salt, and garnish with lots of cherry tomatoes and sunflower sprouts. As dressing I just use some olive oil and apple cider vinegar. I like to keep it clean. Ciao!

FREEDOM

2013-02-11T00:39:00.001-08:00

It's so imported to do what you like because that's what gives you happiness in life. This inspiring video really sums it up.Watch it! And yes, we had a great time snapping that picture on the beach in the sunset.

Photography by Ryan Hager

Graphics by Moni

SNOW IN SEOUL

2013-02-06T01:17:00.000-08:00

Photography by Ryan Hager

Graphics by Moni

There's so many hills in Seoul. I get a work-out everyday just walking home! I went to Namsan which is a hill (!) and park here in Seoul, so nice to hang out on days like this when it's both snowy and sunny!

It doesn't snow that often in Seoul, but when it does it's not even that cold. I was wearing my new shoes from the cute online store Perche. Even though they are heels, they're comfortable to walk in because there wedges. OK, I know I'm obsessed with wedges. :) Also to me nothing beats a bright color bag in winter time to bring your outfit some extra energy. I love this one from Perche because it has two separate big compartments so I don't loose my stuff in it... that easy anyway. ;) Gosh, what is it with girls and bags?

SPICY GREEN PAPAYA SALAD

2013-01-31T03:56:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite foods has to be Spicy Green Papaya Salad, Som Tam in Thai. It's so full of flavor and after you eat it, it feels like you can fly. Yeah, it's that fresh! ;) So green papaya is basically unripened papaya, if you live close to a South-Asian market they most likely will have it, otherwise you can substitute it with a green unripe mango. It's a bit sweeter but also very good. Your gonna need these ingredients for two people:

2 cups shredded green papaya

2 tablespoons chopped shrimp dried, or if your vegan chopped fried tofu

4 garlic cloves, minced

3 Chinese long beans, or 15 green beans

10 large cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup chopped fresh cilantro, or basil

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1-2 fresh red chili with seeds, thinly slice

5 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons fish sauce, or soy sauce

2 tablespoons peanuts

U can crush it all in a big bowl, but preferably you should use a mortar. Smash the garlic, then ad green beans and tomatoes. Just pound a few times. Add the chili pepper, shrimp/tofu, fish sauce/soy sauce, cilantro and lime. Pound a few times. Then stir in the shredded papaya little by little, and garnish with the peanuts. There's tones of different versions of this salad in Thailand, everyone seams to have there own little twist on it. The best one I had was on Koh Pangang in the food market by Thong Sala. I pretty much went there everyday when I was visiting Koh Pangang. YUM!

LAMAI BEACH

2013-01-27T22:23:00.000-08:00

Photography by Ryan Hager

Graphics by Moni

Lamai was probably my favorite beach to stay at on Koh Samui. It's a huge beach and the waves were awesome and pretty big. It's close to many bars, restaurants and shopping without getting to busy. One of the best bars over there was Swing Bar, they have a great happy hour, fire dancers and really good food too. But we mostly hanged out by our beach front room at First Bungalow Beach Resort. Just stacked up on beer and Bacardi Breezer's (Lime and Lemon are the yummiest), had our own party and listened to the waves all night.

BIRTHDAY PARTY

2013-01-22T01:15:00.001-08:00

CAN YOU SPELL F-U-N!!!!!!!!?????????

I CAN. MY BIRTHDAY PARTY! :))))
I had a small but awesome Bday party at Berlin in Itaewon, Seoul with all my closest girlfriends!
Love you girls!!

YOGA TIME

2013-01-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

I'm so in-love with Yoga. It's really changing my body, it's tighter and more flexible and my posture is way better.
Some of the benefits of yoga on physical health are:

increase of immunity level

muscular strength and flexibility

energy level

endurance

cardiovascular efficiency

respiratory efficiency

breath-holding time

weight normalization

improvement of sleep and posture

decrease in pain

pulse rate

blood pressure

It's also has Mental Benefits like improvements in concentration, memory,

attention, learning efficiency, increases in well-being and decrease in depression and anxiety.

I sure feel calmer and more relaxed. If you haven't tried it yet, do it!

Info from http://www.healthplus24.com/alternative-medicine/yoga-in-detail/benefits-of-yoga.aspx

ABSOLUT KOH TAO

2013-01-10T04:41:00.003-08:00

Photography by Ryan Hager

All I've been doing these last 3 weeks is living on young coconuts and other rare amazing tropical fruits. We even made up our own drink, Absolut Young Coconut: fresh coconut juice, Absolut Vodka and a splash of Sprite. Made tons of versions of it by putting Dragon Fruit (the pink and yellow fruit) and Mangosteen (the little brown ones) in it too. So we call it Absolut Koh Tao cuz it's just pure goodness like the place. Koh Tao is just incredible, many gorgeous views and beautiful green-blue water filled with tropical fish.

We stayed at the amazing Ko Tao Resort, Paradise Zone. First the Deluxe Room and then moved to the Luxury Paradise Room which comes with it's own private hot tub! YAY! The hotel has a Beach Zone too, a little bus takes you down there in just 5 minutes and it's a small but lovely white beach next to Shark Bay and Freedom Beach. Just perfect for snorkeling. If you're planning a trip to Koh Tao send me a message and I can give you all the information you'll need for a magical time.

2013 IN KOH PHANGAN

2012-12-31T20:05:00.000-08:00

Whow, awesome fireworks last night!!! So cool! I was down in Han Rin in Koh Phangan with ALL the people celebrating the end of 2012 (yay we made it) the start of a new day, a new year and an era. Just woke up having breakfast by the ocean, taking it all in. Life is good right now! he he

ANG THONG MARINE PARK

2012-12-28T21:16:00.000-08:00

Words can't really describe this magical place, and the pics are amazing but doesn't do it justice. I think it must be the most beautiful place I've ever seen. It's just breathtaking. I spent a day cruising around Ang Tong Marine Park and it's 42 islands. Snorkeling, canoeing and doing the hardest hike up limestone and jungle to reach the top of Koh Wua Talap island and it's =O.o= view. Bliss!!!

CHAWENG BEACH

2012-12-24T22:58:00.001-08:00

Stayed at the beautiful Chaweng Beach for a few days on Koh Samui. Fist we hit up the Ark Bar hotel, with really is quite happening, even tho it wasn't a party night there was still a lot of people and fire dancers at night. Really fun! Then we moved down the beach to First Bungalow Beach Resort and enjoyed some coconuts and waves. The sand is a bit grainy and it get's deep fast, there wasn't much people there so it almost felt like our own privet beach. There's a little place called Mini Restaurant close to the resort which was amazingly fresh and good. Loved it.