Alicia Silverstone's Blog, page 105

Currently Craving: Chic Swimwear

Last week I posted a little check-in to see how all of you were doing with Bikini Boot Camp. I was so pleased to hear that many of you are feeling great, enjoying yourselves and making healthier choices. And in my opinion, sticking to a diet and exercise routine for deserves a little reward…in the form of a fabulous bathing suit, that is!

I don’t think I’m alone when I say that swimsuits are right up there with jeans when it comes to intimidating shopping excursions. I have always said that once you find a swimsuit style that works well with your body you should stick with it. Just like with all clothing, trends will come and go in the swimwear department. So choose what flatters your figure the most and you will feel great when it’s time to hit the beach. For more tips on shopping for the right swimwear for your body type, click here.

All swimwear pep talks aside, let’s get to the fun part. Today I’m sharing my official swimsuit style guide for summer. I know there is something here for everyone, so have a look through the slideshow below and start shopping!

Which one of these suits is your favorite?

XO Lauren

Photo: L'Officiel Russia

Slim Tip: 5 Ways to Think Yourself Thinner

I hope all of you have liked the health and fitness posts we’ve been featuring here on LaurenConrad.com this month. The other day I was going through my messages on my LC profile page, and I noticed that a lot of you who are doing my Bikini Boot Camp Plan are struggling with keeping your mind on track to achieve your goals. I know that it can be easy to get a little side tracked, but all it takes are a few small changes and clever thinking to get self-motivated again. That said, you may need to play a few tricks on your brain to get your discipline back to where it once was…

Without further ado, here are five ways to think yourself thinner:

Keep the junk food out of sight and out of mind.
Take some time to clean out your kitchen. Throw away all of the junk food, sweets, soda and other unhealthy temptations that you may have bought in a time of weakness (yep, that includes that buttery microwavable popcorn too). If you aren’t seeing these temptations on a daily basis, you will have an easier time forgetting that you were craving them in the first place.
Trick your mind into thinking you’re eating more.
Using smaller plates and bowls will create the illusion that you are actually eating a larger portion of food than you really are. If you’re cooking dinner that you’re going to eat for leftovers the rest of the week, it’s easy to serve yourself a larger portion than you need. Use miniature flatware and you will feel satisfied by a smaller amount. 
Drink water when you think you’re hungry.
If you sense a feeling of hunger in between meals and start craving a snack, try sipping on water first. You will be surprised how much a glass of H20 can satisfy you. And afterweards, if you feel hydrated but you’re still hungry, you’ll know for certain that you need a snack. Just make sure to pick a healthy option that has some protein, like one of these.
Don’t eat until you’re stuffed.
According to Livestrong, there is an old Japanse expression that means eat until you’re 80% full: “Hara hachi bu.” Sticking to this phrase is a great way to start slimming down. Eat slower, take smaller bites, and make sure you are focusing on eating instead of getting distracted by your computer or TV. You will eventually “train” your stomach into only needing smaller portions of food, and you will feel lighter after every meal.
Avoid emotional eating and take a hike.
How many times have you sat on the couch and thought, “I’m hungry” when really you’re just bored? I’ve definitely been guilty of it before. Any time you feel bored, stressed or angry, avoid heading into the kitchen. Instead, just take a walk. Even if you’re going outside to grab the mail, it will help you to rethink eating the extra calories that you aren’t actually hungry for.

Do you have any tips for sticking to your fitness goals?

Leave your tips and tricks below! And if you liked this post, be sure to check out more of my favorite fitness posts below:
Get Fit: It’s Bikini Camp Time!
Shape Up: Walk the Block
Slim Tip: Boost Your Metabolism
Slim Tip: Surviving the Snack Attack

XO Lauren

Sources: Livestrong
Photo: LaurenConrad.com

Helping Hand: My Styling Session with the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Hi everyone! I’m only on the second stop of my book tour and it’s been pretty amazing so far. I’ve met many wonderful people along the way, and I know the rest of the tour will be just as fantastic.

Prior to my book signing in Milwaukee, I had the opportunity to host a very exciting style session with three lovely ladies, Brianna, Abby and Melissa, from Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. With the help of my friends at Kohl’s, I was able to treat each girl to a few of the latest pieces from my LC Lauren Conrad collection from Kohl’s. 

I had a really nice time talking about fashion and style but I also wanted to learn a bit more about each girl. I found that each girl had her own inspiring journey, and we talked a bit about what it is like being a teen and how to deal with those days when you don’t feel your best. Despite what they were going through, I was so impressed that these girls all beamed with positivity and poise when the told me their stories. They were all class acts.

Throughout the years, I’ve come to learn that everyone has good days and bad days. But what truly defines our character is not the bad things that happen to us, but instead how we handle that negativity. Talking to Brianna, Abby and Melissa inspired me to do my best to always look on the bright side and face difficult times with a smile. 

I have no doubt that these three girls are going to do big things one day. Here are a couple photos from our style session. I hope you enjoy them…

What has inspired you to be positive lately? Do you have any special stories like the one I’ve shared with you today?

Please leave your stories in the comments below so that I can read them :-)

XO Lauren

Photo: Kohl's

Kind Classics: How to Fall in Love with Greens

 

Whenever I have kale with umeboshi vinegar and flaxseed oil I think, "My God, if people aren't eating this, they are crazy!"

If you haven't been using the ume-flax combo on greens, you are missing out! It is just so delicious. Of course, sometimes greens like kale, collards, or bok choy are good on their own – especially for superheroes. But when you feel like your greens need a little extra kick, you must put a tad of umeboshi vinegar and a bit of flaxseed oil on them. Yum! The Bok Choy and Ume Vinaigrette recipe in my book (p. 264-265) will do the trick, and ume-flax dressing is insane with cabbage, leeks, and toasted sunflower seeds too.

Also, if you are afraid or new to greens, and they sound disgusting to you, this will cure you! Try some greens with my Tahini Dressing (p. 263), Basic Ume Vinaigrette (p.172), or the Ume Sesame Dressing (p.262-263) from my book – I'm pretty sure if you hate greens, and you put one of these sauces on them, you'll love 'em. And, of course, your body will too!

Remember to eat greens at least once a day – the dark leafy ones. Iceberg lettuce doesn't count! I'm not talking Swiss chard or spinach, I'm talking Chinese cabbage, kale, bok choy, or collards. Swiss chard and spinach are fine for vegans but not something superheroes want to eat frequently (no more than 1-2 times per week). For info on why, see p. 64 of The Kind Diet.

There is whole world of green goodness waiting for you, so try dressing up your greens with umeboshi vinegar and flaxseed oil ASAP!

What's your favorite way to prepare greens?

Beauty 911: How to Fix a Smudged Nail

We’ve all been been there before: You’ve just indulged in a fabulous mani-pedi only to find that you’ve smudged one of your nails 5 minutes after walking out of the salon. Not the best feeling. A few of us ladies here at Team LC were talking about this exact beauty blunder the other day, and we decided to put an end to the occasional smudged nail catastrophe. We researched a few tricks and tried them out for ourselves. We discovered that fixing a smudge nail is easier than you’d think, and today I’m sharing the steps to do just that. 

Without further ado, here are three steps for perfecting your manicure:

To recap, here are the steps in a little more detail:

First, dip your finger or a q-tip into an acetone-based nail polish remover and smooth it lightly over the smudged area of your nail to create an even surface.
Then, either find the same polish color you used or a similar hue and paint back over the smudged area. You want this layer to be thick enough that you can’t see through it, but not so thick that it stands out from your other nails.
Finish with a topcoat to smooth everything out.

…and voila! Your mani is good as new. Pretty easy right? Pin this post and pull it up the next time you experience your next post-salon smudge.

What beauty blunder would you like to see us solve in our next Beauty 911 post?

Leave your requests below!

And be sure to check out these manicure ideas the next time you’re in the mood for a polish change:
Polished: Mixed Media Manicure
Polished: The Glitter Manicure
Polished: How to Do a Floral Manicure
Polished: 4th of July Nails

xx
Allison
Team LC

Photos: LaurenConrad.com

DIY Gift Guide: For Your Foodie Father

They say the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. And if my own father is any indication, I’d say that statement is pretty spot on. Going home and cooking on Father’s Day is a tradition in my family. (Last year we made fresh pesto. Yum!) In my opinion, a home cooked meal or a homemade treat is one of the best ways to show your father how much he means to you. So with Father’s Day coming up this weekend, I thought I’d share a few edible gifts that your father will love… Time to get cooking!

Tee-Time Cupcakes
If your pops loves the putting green, these tee-time cupcakes from Martha Stewart can’t be beat. They’re almost too cute to eat!




Jack and Coke Cakes
Whether or not Jack and Coke is your dad’s drink of choice, I guarantee he will love these Jack and Coke Cakes, baked right into mini mason jars.




Pennant Flag Cookies
Let your pops know he’s tops with these sweet pennant sugar cookies. Go, dad, go!




Barbecue Cupcakes
These cupcakes would make a great gift for the grill-master dad. The recipe calls for Red Hots, fruit slice candies, and caramel creams to top the grill. Too cute!




Beer Mug Marshmallow Pops
These frosty mug marshmallow pops have Father’s Day written all over them. And this quick and easy recipe perfect if you’re short on time or not big on baking.

What will you be making your dad for Father’s Day?

If you’re looking for some last-minute gift ideas, check out the Father’s Day gift guide I posted last year for a little inspiration.

XO Lauren

Photos: Martha Stewart, Brit + Co., Studio DIY, Spoonful, Dollhouse Bake Shoppe

Chic Peek: Introducing My Kohl's Bedding Collection

I hope everyone loved the sneak peek of my Summer 2013 LC Lauren Conrad collection. Today I am excited to announce the next step for my LC Lauren Conrad line with Kohl’s…a pretty new bedding collection! 

Bedding is new territory for me as a designer, and I am so pleased with how my first collection turned out. I love decorating my home, so this was a very natural next step. Like my clothing line with Kohl’s, the collection is classic and feminine. I looked to details like ruffles, bows, and floral prints to make this collection a reflection of my ladylike aesthetic. My hope was to take “beauty rest” to a whole new level. The pieces below are now available on Kohls’ website, but I wanted to share a first look with everyone here on LaurenConrad.com. Check out this exclusive Chic Peek, and then leave me your feedback in the comments to be entered to win a $250 Kohl’s gift card to be used toward the collection.

LC Lauren Conrad Bouquet Bedding Set, $169.99-$209.99

LC Lauren Conrad Ella Bedding Set, $29.99-$299.99



LC Lauren Conrad Tea Party Bedding Set, $29.99-$269.99


LC Lauren Conrad Ella Bedding Set, $29.99-$299.99


LC Lauren Conrad Chloe Bedding Set, $29.99-$299.99


LC Lauren Conrad Allie Ruffle Set, $29.99-$189.99
 
Update: We have our winner! Congratulations Gabrielle Hughes!

 

Here’s how to enter to win the $250 gift card…

Follow. If you haven’t already, follow my editorial team on Twitter at @LaurenConradcom. If you don't have Twitter, follow us on instagram at @laurenconrad_com.
Comment. Leave one comment below telling me which bedding look is your favorite. (Please note that you must be a registered LaurenConrad.com to enter. Click here to join now—it takes less than a minute!)
Wait! I will announce the winner on Wednesday, June 12th.

Which bedding set would you buy with the $250 Kohl’s gift card?

XO Lauren

Photos: Kohl’s

This Little Boy Won’t Eat Octopus

Check out this adorable, short video and pass it along! This little Brazilian boy Luiz Antonio is realizing for the first time that the animal on his plate is the same as the animal that he loves. His reaction is simply beautiful:

 

 

Did you have a moment like this when it “clicked” for you that you didn’t want to eat animals anymore?
 
Have your own kids ever asked about the animals on their plate?
 
I would love to hear your stories! Share them in the comments.

Preventing Cancer with a Plant-Based Diet by Dr. Neal Barnard

Listen up, everyone! This information from Dr. Barnard is sooooo important. Please read it and share it with everyone you know. - AS

Preventing Cancer with a Plant-Based Diet
By Neal Barnard, M.D.

There is an urgent need for a new direction in battling cancer. More than 1.6 million people are diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year. At least one-third of annual cancer deaths in the United States are due to dietary factors. Let’s look at the steps we can take to build our general defenses.

While animal products contain potentially carcinogenic compounds that may contribute to increased cancer risk, research shows that, by contrast, fruits and vegetables contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that protect the body.

Several studies published this spring clearly demonstrate the link meat and dairy products have to cancer. According to new data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study, participants who ate the most red meat and processed meat increased their risk of dying by 14 and 44 percent, respectively, compared with those who ate the least. Other recent research found that men drinking more than a glass of whole milk per day had double the risk for fatal prostate cancer, compared with men drinking less. And the National Cancer Institute found that women who consumed one or more servings of high-fat dairy products per day, compared with none to less than half a serving, were at a 49 percent increased risk for dying from breast cancer.

Fortunately, the foods we eat can also help protect our bodies. The American Association for Cancer Research found that beyond the reduced risk for overall cancer, vegetarian and vegan diets significantly reduced the risk of gastrointestinal cancers (stomach, colon, pancreas, etc.) and female-specific cancers (breast, uterine, ovarian, etc.), respectively.

The more naturally colorful your meal is, the more likely it is to have an abundance of cancer-fighting nutrients. Pigments that give fruits and vegetables their bright colors represent a variety of protective compounds.

• RED foods such as tomatoes and tomato products, watermelon, and guava contain lycopene, an antioxidant that cuts prostate cancer risk.
• ORANGE foods such as carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, mangos, and pumpkins contain beta-carotene that supports the immune system.
• YELLOW-ORANGE foods such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, papayas, and peaches contain vitamin C and flavonoids that inhibit tumor cell growth and detoxify harmful substances.
• GREEN foods such as spinach, kale, collards, and other greens contain folate (the same word derivation as foliage) that builds healthy cells and genetic material.
• GREEN-WHITE foods such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower contain indoles and lutein that eliminate excess estrogen and carcinogens.
• WHITE-GREEN foods such as garlic, onions, chives, and asparagus contain allyl sulfides that destroy cancer cells, reduce cell division, and support the immune system.
• BLUE foods such as blueberries, purple grapes, and plums contain anthocyanins that destroy free radicals.
• RED-PURPLE foods such as grapes, berries, and plums contain resveratrol that may decrease estrogen production.
• BROWN foods such as whole grains and legumes contain fiber that aids in carcinogen removal.

To learn more about the power of a plant-based diet to prevent cancer or to download the Nutrition Rainbow poster, visit CancerProject.org.
 
Please, share this with everyone you know! 

About Dr. Neal Barnard: Clinical researcher and author Neal Barnard, M.D., is one of America's leading advocates for health, nutrition, and higher standards in research. As the principal investigator of several human clinical research trials, whose results are published in peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals, Dr. Barnard has examined key issues in health and nutrition. Neal Barnard is the founder and president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). For more about Dr. Neal Barnard, visit his website nealbarnard.org

Photo source: Creative Commons: Veganbaking via isciencetimes.com

The Fourth Annual Hemp History Week

Happy Hemp History Week! To celebrate the fourth annual Help History Week, I wanted to share some information about it (in case you missed it last year):

 

Hemp products generate over $450 million in sales each year, yet we're not allowed to grow it in the United States. It's so flat out stupid that every other country grows it, but we don't! American farmers are missing out on that revenue, and importing hemp is prohibitively expensive, meaning consumers have to pay more for this healthy, sustainable material. It's the most unpatriotic policy you can imagine, right? Ridiculous, on an economic, environmental and health level!




Why I Love Hemp



I have been a fan of hemp products for years. I have bought hemp clothes, and napkins for the house, and couches made with hemp...and on a regular basis, I buy hemp milk and protein powder for the hubby. At one point, my husband also had a great hemp wallet! I had a hemp backpack that lasted me twelve years and traveled the world with me. Enough friends told me "you are ridiculous wearing a backpack." I didn't listen to them for 12 years, but now I seem to carry a purse and bags like a grown up, most of the time. And of course, my EcoTools bags are made with hemp! Anywho, hemp is my friend, and it would be way more eco to be growing it here in the U.S.



Hemp is not just used to make clothes; it's also a great source of complete protein with ten amino acids, omega-3 and -6 essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, and iron. Hemp can also be used to make cosmetics, building materials, and auto parts (for real)! The downside is that right now, it's illegal to grow hemp in the U.S., so hemp product manufacturers have to import their raw materials, and farmers in the U.S. are missing out on an entire industry!



Get Involved



During Hemp History Week, there will be events happening all over the country! Let's help farmers and ourselves by renewing support for hemp farming in the U.S. and educate our elected officials about the economic benefits of growing non-drug, industrial hemp on American soil. 



Visit HempHistoryWeek.com to find out what events are happening near you.



What is your favorite hemp product? Is anyone working on this issue? What else can we do to make hemp legal in the US? Let's fix this problem!!

More about hemp...

Great Hemp Protein

Hemp History Week 2011