Are you ready to show off your hard work? Join us on June 11th, 2011 for our 3rd Photo Shoot!

Without your obedience, consistency, hardwork, devotion & passion – we’d still be a 1-dumbbell, 1 yoga mat, 1 resistance band, a few cones @ the PARK, in the rain with no timer or tire to flip.

And it all started with…

MS. ASHLI COOPER

{Thank God for Twitter}

There were a few others as well, but Ashli has remained the most consistent !

Now Ashli as relocated to Austin, Texas – yeehaw – and we’ll all miss her very deeply.

We saw her run her heart out & get nice, toned, and strong!

We’ll miss you Ashli – but we’re only a FACEBOOK PAGE AWAY!

Love,

All of the Ladies at Fit For Fashion

This week we interviewed Lebbet Riollano – she is a Professional Make-up & Airbrush Artist as well as a fitness enthusiast who knows how to stay in tip top shape and keep a gorgeous appearance. I asked her lots of questions about skin, hair & make-up and learned so much myself. Take her tips, visit her site, and use them in your daily life to stay fit and blemish-free.

The Basics:

Name: Lebbet Riollano

Occupation:  VP and Co-Founder of Boost Lab, Inc. and Professional Make-up & Airbrush Artist

Website: LebbetRiollano.com

 How long you’ve been interested in beauty/style/etc: My whole life! Professionally, 7 years.

 How long you’ve been interested in fitness: I became serious about my fitness at 17 when I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism due to a benign tumor in my Thyroid. I trained extremely hard, ate super clean (before it was coined that term) and managed to lose 45lbs in 3 months. I then had the tumor removed and have kept eating clean and maintaining my weight going on 6 years. Fitness and health has been my lifestyle ever since.

How often you work out: I use a 2 day on, 1 day off schedule that I just adapted versus the 5-6 days in a row with 1 day off schedule I used to follow. I find my body responds better and I have more energy with the extra off day, plus it allows me to push even harder with each session.

What is your favorite exercise & why? I love squats! There are so many variations which target so many muscles at once. Great all around toner!

A fun fact about you: I won the 2006 South Florida NPC Teen Figure title

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Topic: Skin

How do I minimize breakouts on my face when I’m sweating during working out? Ideally, you want to remove your makeup prior to working out to prevent the product from being absorbed and clogging up your pores. Thick headbands are a chic way to prevent sweat and hair from going in your face. Make sure to wash your face after the gym as well, and don’t touch your face until you wash your hands!

How do I minimize breakouts elsewhere (chest/back)? Wear workout clothes that wick sweat away and that don’t have abrasive material. Rubbing from movement may cause ingrown hairs and/or may trap sweat in your pores causing icky breakouts.

My skin is always dry- what can I do to replenish it? Use a gentle cleanser that is occlusive. Occlusive products will trap moisture in the skin. Glycerin is an occlusive ingredient that causes water to be attracted to skin and is natural (usually vegetable source). Burt’s Bees’ Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cream Cleanser are great for removing make-up and impurities. Plus it has menthol, leaving you with a clean feeling without dryness! Lancome’s Galatee Comfort is my all-time favorite for super dry skin. It’s extremely gentle and can be used with or without water. Your skin feels like a cloud after use!

Is there a face wash, lotion, crème that you suggest to girls who workout 5-6 days per week? For girls with Normal skin types, Alba makes a great line of products. Their Pineapple Enzyme cleanser is light yet extremely effective for very active girls. For day lotions, make sure it has SPF regardless of your skin tone, such as Origin’s Have a Nice Day lotion. For night time, choose a cream that replenishes such as Origin’s A Perfect World which is full of antioxidants including White Tea or Origin’s Make a Difference cream for super dry skin.

What should I do if I have a blemish that isn’t quite ready to be messed with? Is it ok to poke at my face? NO! Touching your face will make it worse, especially poking and prying at it. This adds even more bacteria to the area which could seep in and make it worse. Use a spot treatment serum overnight such as Murad Acne Spot Treatment. 9 times out of 10, it’ll be gone the morning.

Topic: Hair

Are hair-ties a bad thing? I have to pull my hair back while exercising but is there a better option? Am I ruining my hair by pulling it tight? Unfortunately, hair ties do damage hair, especially color treated hair. The tighter you make that pony tail and the more you squeeze it to tighten it, the more chances of breakage or fraying. If you have thick hair, using old-school cloth or silk scrunchies are much less damaging. Sorry ladies, you’ll have to sacrifice a bit of style. Another option is to clip it, however, if you have super thick hair, scrunchies will be your best bet.

How can I go from sweating to shower to work-ready in 30-40 minutes or less?

Dry shampoo is a fit girl’s best friend. Right before a shower, blow dry the roots a little bit then spray dry shampoo (Ojon Rub-Out Dry Shampoo) on them. Rub it in a bit, then hop in the shower. Once you’re out, brush the dry shampoo through and style in a sleek bun or low pony tail. For makeup, multi-purpose products really save on time. Apply a tinted moisturizer with SPF all over face (Tarte Smooth Operator), then apply an all-in-one eyeshadow/cheek and lip color (Stilas One Step Prime Color) to apples of cheeks, eye-lids, and lips to give a pop of color. Top it off with a couple of coats of a mascara and wa-la! What workout?

Is there a certain brand of shampoo/conditioner that is better to maintain minimal split ends and to calm my fitness hair? Go for gentle shampoos and conditioners, especially those who have color treated or coarse hair. Go for shampoos that are sulfate free, which are generally the most gentle. I also recommend using a super deep conditioning treatment once a week (such as Bumble and Bumbles Deeep) and leaving it on for 20 minutes in the shower while you wash up and/or shave.

I swim alot and wanted to know what the best tip dealing with my hair would be? Swim cap? If you plan on frequenting the pool, go for the swim cap. Looking like an old lady will be worth the health of your hair.

Topic: Make-Up

Is it awful to workout with make-up on? Yes and no. If you tend to sweat a lot, then I recommend removing your make-up. If you tend not to sweat much, you may be able to get away with it once in a while, but it’s always best to just workout with a clean face.

I’m going to the gym and I don’t want to apply a huge amount of make-up but I want to still feel good about myself, what could I put on my face to make me still look “presentable” ? A coat of mascara and a dab of concealer under your eyes is the maximum I recommend for those off-days. Otherwise, don’t worry about looking good at the gym. Everyone is there to work out, not look pretty!

I’m doing a fitness shoot and I’m doing minimal lifting and holding exercises- what make-up do you suggest I wear for the day of the shoot? First, you want to make sure your skin is hydrated and primed. Choose a good, thin day moisturizer without SPF. Depending on lighting (sunlight or indoor), choose a medium to full coverage foundation (such as Make Up Forever HD Foundation). Dab concealer 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone underneath the eyes from the inner corners to nearly three quarters outwards, blending well, such as Laura Mercier Secret Camoflauge which comes with two colors: one coral based to counter blue/purple undertones from bags, and a light flesh tone to highlight. Dust your face with a setting powder (Make Up Forever HD Microfinish). Use an eye shadow primer to enhance the colors and make them last (Urban Decay Primer Potion is amazing). Keep the eye shadow natural looking by using neutral tones such as tans, creams, and light taupe-y browns. A black or dark brown kohl liner along the top lash line will look more natural than a liquid liner yet add some nice definition. Apply a few coats of thickening mascara (Diorshow Iconic or MAC Haute & Naughty) – natural false lashes are optional. Line the lips with a pencil the same color as your lips. Lipstick and gloss should be similar to your natural color, with a hint of pink or peach, along with the blush which should be applied on the apples of the cheek and blended up the length of your cheek bone. You may also lightly apply a bronzer where the sun hits naturally – forehead, bridge of your nose, along with underneath your jaw line, and your décolletage, and shoulders. Gorgeous!

Any other advice you’d like to give:

Great makeup starts with great skincare. Invest time in developing a routine and make it a habit. Even if you begin with just making sure you wash your makeup off every night and applying a moisturizer!

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Beverage: Protein Smoothie

• Ingredients:
•  
• Skim Milk
• Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries
• Sweetener, such as Stevia
• Nut butter
• Protein powder
• Blender
• Straw

#1: Assemble your ingredients. For this high protein smoothie, you’ll need some low glycemic fruit such as strawberries, blueberries or blackberries. These fruits are much lower in sugar than are fruits such as mangos, bananas and pineapple. They are also lower on the glycemic index and will keep your blood sugar levels steady.

You’ll also need skim milk or soy milk. Keep in mind that if you use almond or rice milk, you’ll decrease the amount of protein in the smoothie.

Nut butter is what provides the bulk of the protein. Choose peanut, almond, sunflower…whatever turns your taste buds on!

If you like your smoothies sweet, skip the sugar, honey and agave sweeteners. Use a no-calorie sweetener instead. Stevia is a good one.

#2: Add one cup of milk to the blender. Separate the berries and add them to the milk. Add the nut butter and sweetener and blend at a high speed for two minutes.

#3: Add protein powder if you really want to increase the amount of protein in your smoothie. Keep in mind that protein powder will also increase the number of calories, but we’re going for added protein here – so you’ll be fine!

#4: Pour into a glass, add a straw and enjoy! Garnish with additional fruit or a sprig of mint if desired.

Nutritional Information: Can be found after supplied with the protein powder and fruit selections for this particular smoothie.

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Snack: Oat & Fruit Granola Bar

 Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup plain toasted oat cereal (such as Cheerios)
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup dried mixed fruit
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 egg whites
• 1 medium banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup canola oil

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Line a 9 by 13 inch baking pan with foil, with an inch or so overhanging the ends. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Assembling/Baking:

#1: Spread oats on a large microwave-safe plate and microwave for 2 minutes, stirring half way through.

#2: Place oats, oat cereal, flour, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Stir in dried fruit.

#3: Add honey, egg whites, mashed banana and oil. Stir well with a wooden spoon until well combined. Empty mixture into lined baking pan, and press down with some waxed paper or with wet hands.

#4: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until edges are golden.

#5: Cool for 10 minutes in pan, then grasp foil ends and lift out of pan. Cut into 18 bars and place on a cooling rack.

Per Bar: Calories 113, Calories from Fat 23, Total Fat 3.8g (sat 0.3g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 90mg, Carbohydrate 28.9g, Fiber 2.4g, Protein 3.4g

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Dinner Entree: Turkey Tacos

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 6 ounces extra-lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 4 whole-wheat, low-fat flour tortillas, about 6 inches in diameter, warmed in the microwave
• 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup salsa

In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, cumin and oregano.

In a nonstick frying pan, add the ground turkey and onion. Cook over medium heat until the turkey is browned and onion is translucent. Drain well. Add the spices to the turkey mixture. Stir to mix evenly.

To serve, place a 1/4 cup of the turkey mixture in each tortilla. Top each with 1 tablespoon cheese, 1/4 of the diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup shredded lettuce and 2 tablespoons salsa. Fold in both sides of each tortilla up over the filling, and then roll to close. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Analysis

(per serving)

** Tip: Taco seasoning mixes from the grocery store usually have large amounts of sodium. Here, the taco seasonings — chili powder, cumin and oregano — have all of the taste but none of the sodium.

About a year and a half ago, I was running 5-6 miles on a pretty consistent basis, I was lifting the heaviest weight ever, I had killer abs that could be seen & the gym was pretty much my second home. I was in the best shape of my life to be quite honest. Now, after enduring some pretty serious brain surgery and still being in recovery mode, I think I’ve finally allowed myself to accept that I had a *major* setback.

Setbacks happen – they are a part of life. Setbacks don’t always have to create bad things, for example: pregnancy. While it may be a setback in terms of one’s physique and body, it certainly creates a life-changing experience with a beautiful baby. Other setbacks, such as surgeries, injuries, health concerns & chronic pain can take weeks, months, even years to heal & some, may never heal. Setbacks with relationship issues, a new job, moving away from home, college, or even newly dating/married can create a dent in your once “perfect” workout routine.

I encourage anyone with any type of setbacks, from something minor to something huge, to join me to getting ourselves back. As a personal trainer – I encourage for a living. I create a sense of “you-can-do-it” attitude. I push you, when you simply cannot push yourself any longer. However, at the same time, I think it’s crucial to show that I am just like everyone else, and while my setback with brain surgery may have halted my fitness journey the past 6-8 months, I refuse to let it continue into the New Year.

I plan on doing a 5K, a 10K, a triathlon, a bike race, an adventure race (muddier, the better). I look forward to getting back under the Smith machine and pump out some serious weight. I plan to surpass everything that I have done in the past – and all it takes is one step forward…

Are you with me?

I plan on walking quite a bit at Crescent Lake Park within the next couple of weeks, also, implementing some running as well. In addition – I will have open gym hours at the Fit for Fashion studio that I will partake in exercise with anyone and everyone. If you have a walking/biking/exercise schedule – post it and let me know. The more, the merrier.

Please bring as many wardrobe changes as you like and we’ll try to work them into the shoot. Options are always good and you never know when you’ll feel like wearing something. And if you think you might want to bring something, but have second thoughts about it, bring it anyway.

Models I’ve worked with almost always tell me that they wished they’d brought something that they’d thought about bringing but then decided not to. It is better to always bring more than you think you will need, however it may not always be possible to shoot with everything you bring.

 STYLES OF CLOTHES__________

I recommend solid color clothing, with no polka dots, no wild prints, and no distracting stripes. Clothing of this type can have a tendency to distract the viewer from the most important subject in your photos, you.

Recommended clothing styles include: Sports/Fitness gear and/or Swimsuits

 HOW TO BRING IT (YOUR STUFF)__________

Many models will either pack a small suitcase or bring a bag of some type to carry all their clothes. Please pack carefully. Clothes you intend to wear should be free of wrinkles and lint.

 ITEMS TO CHANGE YOUR “LOOK” AND APPEARANCE__________

Changing the way you look during a shoot will help keep the photos from looking like they were all taken on the same day.

Items I’d suggest bringing include: make-up, hair ties & rubber bands (so you can wear your hair in different ways), hats, jewelry, glasses/sunglasses, and anything you think might make a neat prop or look interesting in a photo.

 ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO CONSIDER__________

Don’t forget to bring a small portable mirror of some kind so you can check your make-up, hair, look, etc. during the shoot.

It’s also a good idea to bring something to drink, such as bottled water or gatorade. Especially since we will be shooting outside (I will have a cooler with water)

Depending on the length of your shoot, you may want to pack a light meal and/or a few snacks of some kind. Fruits are preferable to “candy” items and will help provide energy to keep shooting. Avoid eating/bringing anything that may stain your teeth. This includes chocolaty items. As with wardrobe, please bring more than you think you will need.

IMPORTANT TIPS__________

• The most important thing, in my opinion, is the way the clothes fit your physique.  Make sure the cut and fabric is flattering to your body.  Be sure the clothing is in good condition, pressed (if necessary), and definitely not faded!  Also pick a color that flatters your skin tone and hair color.
  • Female models should wax bikini lines and shave under arms.  And speaking of underarms, don’t wear any chalky, white deodorant ever! 
  • Don’t wear glasses 30 minutes prior to shooting (the eyeglass nose rests will leave indentations on your nose and the side of your face).
  • Likewise, do not carry bags over your shoulders on the shoot.  This will also leave lines on your skin.
  • Bring hairspray and a brush on the photo shoot to take care of “fly-aways,” etc.
  • Manicures and pedicures are also a must.  Pamper yourself, and the results will be evident in the way you shoot!

NOW BACK TO YOUR EXERCISE AND HEALTHY EATING… WE’RE AT 30 DAYS UNTIL THE PHOTO SHOOT!

I became inspired to put together a Fitness Getaway as I was driving home after Kickboxing and Physique Training. How awesome would it be if just once we could go “home” to the beach – where we could bask on the water and unwind with not a worry in the world? And not only that- but how great would it be to wake up for 6am Boot Camp (ok, so maybe 8am) to the waterside. Where we would listen to the waves as we ran & preformed squat jumps, burpees, and more.

Here are some details that the fitness get-away would include:

• 3 day, 2-night stay in a Beach House on the water

• Complete meals (cooked by a Chef) – healthy choices & delicious meals

• Snacks laid out, fresh coffee made, and plenty of water

• 1 night of pampering with a Professional Esthetician(s)
  • Facials
  • Hair/Skin tips for women who specifically workout on a regular basis
  • Manicure/Pedicure

• 3-5 workouts (Including: Boot Camps on the Beach, Yoga on the Beach & Pilates) and other things like: beach runs and beach volleyball

• 1 night out on the town (details to be figured out later) with a SCAVENGER HUNT (it will be fitness-related!)
  • Professional Bartender to show us how to choose the healthiest concoctions when we go out and about – with samples!

Other basic information:

• Weekend would start on Friday afternoon/evening and go until a Sunday afternoon

• Would be in the St. Pete area (for those with children, they would be able to still attend and not worry about being too far)

• All-inclusive price (except for if you wanted to purchase anything while we’re out and about)

• Bags filled with goody prizes will be handed out to all who attend

• Limited number of women (must be 21 or older)

• The dates in mind at the moment are in January (mid to late) [to kick start the new year]

• Will have a set price soon, but thinking anywhere between $110 and $175 total for the weekend (depending upon the number of girls that attend)

• If you’re interested- please let me know ASAP so I can get to planning this get~away