Ok, let’s get real.  Bikini season is just around the corner and well…it’s time to get ourselves in gear.  And by “in gear” we mean “off the couch and actually fit” because well, our jiggly bits are just a bit too jiggly.  You know what we mean.  Don’t make us spell it out.

So, enter Serena.  Founder and Head Trainer of Lean On Me -Personalized Fitness and Health, Serena Scanzillo does not mess around.  But in a GOOD way.  She does all of the regular personal trainer things (show up, make you lift weights, push you to do exercises that seem really hard and therefore make you whiny but are in fact good for you) BUT, there is more:

1. She comes to you. She comes TO you.  We cannot emphasize that enough.  Have a local gym you like? No problem. Want her to work you out in your living room? Absolutely. Want to play outside in the park next door? No worries. There is NO excuse anymore.

2. She knows stuff.  About health, and food diaries, and calories and crap. She’s a fitness nutrition coach, a functional sports exercise specialist, and a whole cast of other things, some of which involve gastric bypass patients.  Besides the working out,  she also gets you to understand what you are eating, and then when, and finally how many calories are really in certain foods.  And, she’ll give you the tools you need! (Food diary anyone?)

3. She understands that sometimes you need a little help.  The whole “lean on me” thing really appeals to us, as really, we aren’t going to work ourselves out, you know?  Have you met our couch? It’s addictive.

4. Her rates are reasonable.  Sometimes you don’t have $1000 to throw down on ten 30 minute sessions or whatever is happening at Bally these days.  Serena has many flexible packages and rates, and is especially awesome considering that she will come to you! So great. So so so great!

Serena isn’t about lifting heavy weights, she’s more about dynamic metabolic conditioning workouts that focus on light weight- training interspersed with cardio-blasts. The weight training shapes your body, and the cardio burns off the excess jiggly.  Apparently (and we are shocked and delighted by this) these type of workouts can be more effective than just running on the treadmill, often require less time, AND keep your body burning high all day.  FANTASTIC.

After working out with her for awhile, we ourselves have gone from doing 1 push up on our knees while bitching constantly, to doing SETS of 10.  Multiple sets.  In a row. In the regular normal style (not on knees), with (almost) no bitching!  Also, our carpenter’s gut is no more! Hello plank position! And, well, we feel better. You know, positive mental health and all that.

So, if you are looking for a trainer–look no further!

Lean On Me: www.leanonserena.com

Everyonce in a while, Lauren finds a great buy at one of the local bodegas or pharmacies. Several of these “over the counter” (in other words, on the more affordable end of the cost spectrum) turn into daily must haves. Below are Lauren’s 5 “OTC” items that have made it in the daily routine.

1. Aveeno’s Positively Nourishing Calming body wash. Several weeks in Provence sold me on the soothing qualities of fresh lavender. For a body wash, this is as soothing (and as natural smelling) as you can get. Warning: I’ve found that this is SO relaxing that it’s better to use at night. It’s refreshing but can easily make me want to hop back into bed and dream about fresh lavender.

2. Confetti Long Wearing nail polish. With cute, bright colors like electric pink and muted lavender, these are perfect for a week at the office or just for jazzin’ up those toes. I’m a sucker for marketing, so I felt especially cute with colors like “Belle of the Ball” and “Fashionista.” Pros: CUTE Cons: It’s not the greatest quality polish that will last weeks, but who wants the same color on their nails for weeks anyway?

3. Olay Complete all day UV moisturizer. Several years ago, I saw my grandmother apply this to her face. I immediately realized that this magic lotion had something to do with her flawless skin which has carried well into her 80’s. With that kind of proof, I’ve been wearing it every day for at least 3 years. Made for Sensitive Skin, Normal or Combo/Oily, all are welcome Come find me in 30 years and you’ll be amazed at my skin. *I hope*

4. Neutrogena On The Spot acne treatment. Ok…Ok…I don’t always have flawless skin, apparently. This baby is great for on the run spot treatments. CVS has essentially the exact same product for a few pennies less. Works relatively quickly and pretty effectively for a quick grab from the skincare aisle. Tip: It can dry crusty so be sure to rub it all in

5. Kiwi Leather Shoe Cream. Obviously this doesn’t go on your face or skin, but its just as important. The cream clicks up like a deoderant and takes just seconds to touch up your heals, loafers, purses, etc. This is a must-have! Shoes can make or break outfits from your power suit to your cutest Fall boots ensemble. I don’t want to see any ladies out there with scuffed tips to their black stilettos. This is a quick fix and it fits in your purse. Be careful of the cream as it clicks up – it can pop out from the pressure in the tube [face it away from your clothes!].

I’m always boasting that I am a DC-native. Yup – I’m REALLY proud of that. Why? Not too sure, other than the fact that means I’ve been in the same city for a big chunk of time. But mostly, it means that I’ve been in DC so long that I’m comfortable with what it has to offer. Translation: I’ve been taking from this city for years. I recently decided it was about time to donate some of my so-called “precious” hours that I so often complain I don’t have enough of.

A few quick key words on Google and I found myself faced with a TON of organizations that can coordinate a place and time for me to volunteer based on my interests and availability. Immediate thought process: YES! FUN! Now wouldn’t that be even more fun to do with someone? Wouldn’t that be even MORE (x2) fun to do with a *certain* someone? Yuuup. Where do I sign?

I’m going to pick a good-hearted cutie and break out of our (ok, MY) usual take-take-take (work-eat-cocktail-sleep-work-repeat) routine and give a little back to my community. I know what you’re thinking…what will a few hours do? Actually, a lot. That’s a few hours set aside, with no disruptions, for you to spend with your beau while doing something for someone else. Several key words here: “someone else” – “no disruptions” – “beau”. See where I’m going?

Suggestions on ways to bond with your cutie in DC? Make food for the homeless and/or people who are too sick to make food for themselves (chopping & cooking together = bonding). Clean up/paint a local school or community center (imagine: comfy clothes, laughing, *accidentally* getting paint on your guy’s cheek… ::insert mischievious grin here::). Sort donated food items (”my pile is bigger than YOUR pile”). Socialize with puppies and kittens at local pet stores so they can be adopted. So. Much. Fun.

Not only will you feel great about lending a hand to the community and feel good about yourself, but you’ll also feel good about your guy. TRI-FOLD WIN!

(photo courtesy of moriza under the flickr Creative Commons license)

As CityGirls, we have all been there.  Feeling the warmth in the air, seeing the blue of the pool, and then opening the closet with dread as you realize that yes, swimsuit season has arrived and is my bikini REALLY THIS SMALL??!

But fear not!  Our life has radically changed following our introduction to Agnese (pronounced like Agnes), who is found at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door in Pentagon City.  Her secret is total awesomeness  (read: her calm and relaxed style), coupled with hard wax (less painful than soft wax), and we are here to tell that that even though we were shaking in fear (we are also here to tell you that we are wimps), we survived with a LOT less pain than expected (the quiet and relaxed atmosphere also helped).  Agnese rocks! Of course, our problem now is that this service has become addictive….

Where: Pentagon City Red Door Spa, 703.373.5888

Who: Agnese V.

Cost: $40 for Bikini, $60 for Brazilian

When: Book at least 2 weeks in advance to get a slot

But the point! The point here, is that there was a guest speaker.  The honorable Sal Sunseri (I know, we were like: “who?” but then, we didn’t follow football in 1978…or today really to be completely honest. The Redskins broke our heart years ago).  Yes, the Hon. Sal had a few hilarious things to say.  Many of which we’ve forgotten (since well, we were drinking…you know, it happens).  But regardless, when Sal got to the point, we perked up.  Sal’s point was that young athletes are a brand.  And as such, they need to keep their noses clean and do their best to honor their personal brand.  And also, Alabama rules.  According to Sal. Who is clearly, based on that statement, not to be trusted.

That led us, of course, to wonder: What is our brand? As, well, not a young high school athlete (though in couch-sitting, we are the gold medalists and will take any comers) our steps to finding and protecting our brand are probably not the same as kids these days.  But, is it worth some thought? Should we even HAVE a brand (besides CityGirls of course!).  And if we do, what is our specific brand? And does it have a smell–like the smell of success, or the sweet sweet smell of french fries?

And, how do we promote our brand once we establish it?  A wink, a smile, and a firm handshake? A questionable poster or ad on facebook? A small flirtation with unsuspecting passersby on the metro? A strategically placed tattoo? Another speech by the Honorable Sal?

Fellow City Girls, what is YOUR brand?

And more importantly–these are the things that happen when you combine alcohol (very very awesome alcohol–our many thanks go out to Unwined for keeping it real), former college football players, and many MANY high school athletes.  Never really saw that one coming…

So, the height of the cherry blossoms a few weeks ago, coupled with the warmest Easter in years had the tourists out in FORCE in DC, and frankly, I found them exhausting. I realize that since I live in the capital of the nation I should be used to interestingly dressed people with odd accents getting in my way on the metro and clogging up my own smithsonian experience, but wow.  There was something about the influx of tourists out and about recently that really got my goat in that not so good way.

So, my petty bad self came out (wears sharp heels and lots of eye makeup), and I found myself wishing that if I couldn’t get rid of said tourists, maybe I could play with them?

But THEN, I found something truly hilarious on the web, and I have to say that THIS is far better than anything I could ever think of.  So, apologies for not including the actual video footage on our site, but you must MUST check out this blog for some tourist (and local)  hilarity.

Surprise trust fall anyone?

(evil laugh)

courtesy of 4.bp.blogspot.com

There are those that read health magazines closely, and follow the rules about what to eat and what vitamins to take with meticulous care.

I am not one of those girls.

I am the type of girl who takes Flintstone’s vitamins (chewable!) when I feel the need to up my immune system.

I am the type of girl that wonders aloud if chocolate is a vegetable because it so clearly comes from a bean.

And I am the type of girl who has (in my shame-filled past) pretended that cheetos, due to their extreme orange coloring, are totally the same nutritional value as an orange.  Right. Right?

So I am clearly the kind of girl who is not going to get my vitamin D intake from “veggies” or “fruit.”  No–I’m going to go to a more powerful source: Dupont Circle.  That’s right–because Dupont (shakes fist at sky) is where I can get some sun during lunch or when I’m out and about.  And after today, I’m determined that spring is in the air. Because I totally NEED vitamin D.  It’s Robin to my Batman.  The tight lycra suit to my bat utility belt.  The batphone to my giant bat-shaped signal (ok, now I’m done!) My whole day yesterday was so much better because of the sun!

Bring it Dupont!  And the little secret garden near by! And the area under the cherry blossoms! And ok, the National Mall.  It’s going to be 70 degrees this week! I LOVE THE SUN!

My lovely fellow CityGirl recently arranged for us to get fitted for bras at The Full Cup, a swanky lingerie store in Alexandria. VA.  To my amazement, the awesome saleswomen told me that the 40DD I had been wearing was entirely wrong…I actually wear a 36HH (what?!?!?!!?).  I immediately noticed the dramatic difference wearing my real bra size had on my figure.  My boobs were entirely covered by their bra cups rather than spilling out.  I could comfortably move my finger under each strap. The bra also touched me in different places, which kept my boobs in the right place rather than pushing them to the center of my chest like my old bra did.  I felt so good in my new bra that I wore it out the store.

This enlightenment got me thinking about other aspects of my wardrobe, knowing there are clothes in my closet that simply don’t complement my curvy figure, much like my 40DD bra.  Like my dress that I have to keep pulling up to cover my newly christened 36HHs or the blouse that fits perfectly everywhere except on my bust line, which I have to pin to death to prevent impromptu flashings.

So with that, I pledged to refresh my wardrobe with items that work best for my figure, aka my body shape.  But first, I had to identify my body shape because I had no clue.  With some investigation, I discovered there are 4 shapes that should be considered when shopping in order to choose the most complementary styles for your body: the Pear, the Apple, the Hourglass, and the Ruler.

Pear. Pear-shaped women are bottom heavy meaning their lower torsos are wider than their upper torsos.  Key indicators are slender necks and hips that extend beyond the shoulders.   Not the rule, but many Pears have small bust lines.  Famous Pears: Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, and Kelly Clarkson.

Pears can be very adventurous with their blouses because they need to add more weight to their upper torsos, particularly their bust lines, to balance their body and draw attention away from their wide hips.  So think ribbons, feathers, and fluffy things a la Carrie Bradshaw!  Key must dos: bright/light-colored blouses and dark-colored skirts and slacks to push attention up top.  Key must avoids: pleats, thin shoulder straps, and busy patterns because they makes Pears look bulky.

Apple. Generally, the upper torso of Apple-shaped women is bigger than their lower torso.  Most, not all, also have large bust lines, wide backs, and broad shoulders that extend beyond the width of their hips.  Apples come in all sizes—Jennifer Hudson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kate Winslet, Elizabeth Hurley, Rosie O’Donnell, Angelina Jolie, and Queen Latifah are all Apple-shaped women.

Apples look best in styles that give them a definite waist-line while balancing their upper and lower torsos.  Key must dos: V and plunging necklines, empire waists, and A-line cuts for a slimming affect to the figure.  Key must avoids: halter tops, busy patterns, anything off-the shoulder, and clingy fabric.

Ruler. Ruler-shaped woman are slim, with very little natural curves.  They are often considered to have an athletic build and usually have lean arms and legs.  Famous Ruler: Keira Knightly

The style focus of any Ruler should be to add the illusion of curves by choosing styles that draw attention to the waist, neckline, and bust. Key must dos: Using big and funky belts, ribbons, and scarves to emphasize the waist line.  To add volume to the bust, Rulers should wear bold patterns and blouses with full, fluffy sleeves.  Key must avoids: Clingy fabric as it will highlight the Ruler’s lack of curves.

Hourglass. I hate (love) these women—they are proportioned all over with narrow waists that give them perfect curves everywhere.  Famous Hourglasses: Scarlett Johanson, Jessica Beal, and Salma Hayek.

Due to their proportionate curves, Hourglasses can wear almost anything.   Key must dos: strapless dresses, off-the-shoulder cuts, and styles that emphasize their narrow waistlines like corset designs.  Key must avoids: clingy fabric and busy patterns—both can give the impression of a bigger, bulkier body.

Now, what am I you ask?  In the past, many of my friends and family have described me as having an Hourglass figure because of my heavy bust line and defined waist line.  However, a little more educated on this topic, I have determined that I am actually an Apple.  The first indicator of this is my 36HH (large) bust line.  Second, though I have a definite waist line, it is somewhat wide.  And finally, I have very broad shoulders partnered with narrow hips.  In fact, my shoulders extend nearly 3 inches wider than the width of my hips.   So, Apple it is.  Armed with this knowledge, let the shopping begin!

Signed,

BreezyGirl

So, “they” say that comedy is the slice of life.  Or, the pizza of party if you will.  Well, we are here to agree!  But we caveat that with the caveat that good comedy is the slice of life.  Bad comedy is just bad.  But, if you are in the market for good comedy, we must recommend the awesome DC Improv.  Interesting, reasonably priced, and often featuring name comedians (or comediennes, as you will) we find it good times.

The stand-up room is cosy, but offers enough seating for random last minute plans, and it’s easy to get seated close to the stage.  The local talent is usually fairly hilarious as a warm up, and the name comedy (while at times not-so-funny) if you pick it right is usually worth seeing.  We also love that there is alcohol, drinks, and cake readily on hand.

We think that DC Improv is great for a date, a fun night out with the ladies, a bachelorette party (yes, we have seen those out in force at the Improv) or just something different.

Go forth, and laugh!

www.dcimprov.com

1. Live It, Love It. This blog is awesome, if only for the explanation of the Jersey Shore drinking game.  Has anyone seen The Jersey Shore?  Dear god, get out there now and see it.  You must understand the Situation!

2. Dellecious DC: For everything cupcake related (and we know you love ‘em), check out DC’s cupcake blog.  This is a sweet site sure to satisfy your sugary holiday cravings.  Holiday cravings!! CRAVINGS!

3. Greg’s List: An up to date listing of everything happen in the city.  We have to applaud Greg on being in touch.  And also providing our weekend plans!

4. The EW: Yes, the EW is where Ausiello ended up after leaving tvguide.com, and we are still fans! All tv-related news can be found here.

5. K Street Kate: Keeping a pulse on the city.  Kate knows what is going on!

Enjoy your surfing!