Cardio: Mix Up

Here's another way to spice up your cardio training, that will keep you motivated and interested while your sweating it out.

This cardio starts out feeling like it's too easy to be true as it involves a lot of walking but trust me it sneaks up on you. The best part however is it will burn 500 calories!! Almost half of what your calorie intake should be for the day.

Here it is:

Incline/Gradient              Speed               Time
5%                                 6.2 - 6.5          5 mins
2%                                 9                     3 mins
2%                                 11                   1 min
10%                               5 - 5.5             1 min

Repeat 4 times to make up a 40 minute cardio training session.

Now go get your running shoes on!!

The Puffer Jacket: Chic or Geek?

The puffer jacket is one item that if worn and styled the right way, can look super chic but wear it the wrong way, you risk looking like one puffy geek.

The puffer jacket is definitely one fashion item that is more for function than fashion but looking at the streets this winter the puffer jacket is proving to be one popular item during these colder months. Style it in with the right outfit and it can actually give some edge to your whole look.

The key to pulling off the puffer jacket is keep it basic, stick to one block colour and choose a darker shade, as it tends to be more versatile and easier to style in with your outfit. Try pick a puffer jacket where the quilting is more flat, to avoid looking like a puffed up balloon and keep your outfit casual such as a pair of skinny jeans or a tight mini with some ankle boots.

Hear are some celebs showing how the puffer jacket can look chic....

Olivia Palermo

Ashlee Simpson



 Rachel Bilson

Kate Bosworth

The puffer jacket has also been one hot item on the runway....

Burberry

Thakoon

Isabel Marant

And now how you can get the look....

Quilted Raglan Bomber - Bardot

http://www.theiconic.com.au/Quilted-Raglan-Bomber-112061.html

Friendly Fires Vest - Cameo

http://www.theiconic.com.au/Friendly-Fires-Vest-96542.html

Barney's Original Bomber Jacket - ASOS

http://www.asos.com/au/Barneys-Originals/Barneys-Originals-Leather-Look-Quilted-Bomber-Jacket/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2990943&SearchQuery=bomber%20jacket&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black

Reese Floral and Quilted PU Jacket

http://www.boohoo.com/sale/reese-floral-and-quilted-pu-jacket/invt/azz53956

Quilt Panel Fur Collar Biker - TopShop

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=1&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=10928350&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208526&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=2000

Number one fashion tip to keep in mind when it comes to the puffer jacket, don't go overboard with the puff or risk looking like this....

Clean Eating: Recipe

Coconut Chocolate Protein Balls

These tasty treats are so delicious it's hard to believe they are made of ingredients that are good for you!

Ingredients

1 cup of rolled oats

1/2 cup of shredded or desiccated coconut

2 -3 tablespoons of honey

1 and 1/2 scoops of chocolate protein

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

3 - 4 heaped tablespoons of natural peanut butter

1/5 cup of almond milk

1 tablespoon of coconut oil

2 tablespoons of cacao powder

Method

Put all the ingredients into a medium bowl and mix them all together.

Using your hands roll the mixture into balls.

Coat the balls in extra shredded or desiccated coconut.

Voila you have a deliciously tasty morning or afternoon tea treat, that is packed full of goodness!

Get the Look: Double Denim

Double denim is a hard look to pull off and can be done oh so wrong *cough acid wash cough* but when done right can look oh so fab.

The key to pulling off this look is getting the right cuts and shades and teaming them together. The look works best with the lighter shades of denim on top and the darker shades on bottom. Or if you'd rather a darker shade on top, this can be teamed with a white denim bottom.

The double denim look is a great casual look which has a high fashion appeal but great functionality, as a light weight shirt teamed with some ripped jeans provides great comfort for getting your weekend chores done in.

Here are some of our fave celebs, rockin' the DD look....

Kate Bosworth

Alexa Chung

Jess Hart

Miranda Kerr

Ashley Olsen

And now how you can get the look....

Urban Renewal Cheeky Shorts - Wrangler

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?

id=24922817&parentid=W_APP_SHORTS_SHORTS

Blue Karina Chambray Circle Skirt - Kimchi

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=27501626&parentid=W_APP_SHORTS_SKIRTS

Only Stud Shoulder Shirt - Asos

http://www.asos.com/au/Only/Only-Stud-Shoulder-Shirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2852654&cid=4169&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Denim

Denim Day - Princess Polly

http://www.princesspolly.com.au/Denim-Day.aspx?p37007&colourid=319

Lonestar Shirt - Wrangler

http://www.generalpants.com.au/womens/wrangler/shirts/lonestar-shirt-1000044076-040

Street Shredder Jeans - Lucy in the Sky

http://www.lucyinthesky.com/shop/street-shredder-jeans

Addie Ripped Jeans - Missguided

http://www.missguidedau.com/catalog/product/view/id/73653/s/addie-ripped-jeans/category/511/

Louie Hipster Jean - Bardot

http://www.bardot.com.au/Louie-Hipster-Jean.aspx?p444521&cr=080446

And here is a little tip on how not to wear double denim....

Cardio: Mix Up

Cardio is my least favourite part of my weekly exercise regime but it is a must! I find cardio so boring, even with a TV in front of me while I'm pushing through it, but I have found a cardio routine that will keep you focused, build endurance and heighten fitness.

Here it is -

0-5 mins            Powerwalk
5-10 mins          Jog
10-15 mins        5 x 30 sec jog / 30 sec sprint
15-20 mins        Jog
20-22 mins        Wrest (slow walk)
22-23 mins        Powerwalk
23-25 mins        Run as fast as you can!
25-30 mins        Powerwalk
30-35 mins        Jog
35-40 mins        5 x 30 sec jog / 30 sec spring

Now get running!