LilSugar

iPhone Applications for Parents and Mommies-to-Be

LilSugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:01:00 PDT

The cheaper and faster iPhone 3G comes out today and geeks everywhere have begun exploring the cool new applications, which are now available on iTunes.

I was shocked and excited when geek told me there are a couple fun applications geared toward pregnant moms and family health. Check them out!

So Sweet! Candies iPhone Cases at Opening Ceremony

Kelly Schwarze — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:12:07 PST

Purveyors of all things chic and of-the-moment, Opening Ceremony has released its latest Spring import, and we're already craving more! iPhone cases from Japanese company Candies are making their adorable US debut. Candies creates all their cases from 100 percent natural silicone, free of nasty chemicals - good for you and Mother Earth.

Check out the range of cases including wheeled skate decks, cuddly cartoons, and bright graphics in the gallery.

One-Minute Makeover Tip: Kick Up Your Colorblocking Quotient

Marisa Tom — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 03:00:08 PST

We're constantly looking to reinvent the way in which we style our most beloved items of clothing - that is, without having to endure the consequences of a costly shopping spree. By combing through the arsenal of chic Fab community looks and tapping into our editors' fashion prowess, we've whipped up an easy way to soup up your wardrobe with just a quick trip to the back of your closet. Today, let's go bold and vibrant: mix-and-match cool color combos.

The best part about colorblocking is, hands down, its endless potential for fun, playful, and totally unexpected color matchups. This may be a good time to brush up on the ol' color wheel. Some of our favorite complementary pairings are: minty green with bright tangerine, deep violet with saffron yellow, and neon pink with crimson red.
Use these color combos to emphasize your shape and your strong knowledge of silhouette proportions. We love seeing contrasted hues against a long-short hem or in the mix of soft vs. hard structural edges.
To execute this look, it takes almost no effort at all. Find your favorite colorful pieces and pair 'em up. The effect is striking, but super simple to achieve. Whether it's a colorblocked sweater-and-jeans combo or a sweet juxtaposition of a bold dress over opaque tights, it's a zippy way to spice up a look.

Photos courtesy of Smileforstyle, BrittandWhit, and Erikets

The Five Best Races For Women

espnW — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:09:19 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from espnW here on FitSugar!

By Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea

Sage Steele, SportsCenter anchor, is preparing to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World on Feb. 26 and hoping to fall in love with running in the process. Follow Sage’s journey on espnW.com

Women's races offer a decidedly different vibe than their coed cousins': more camaraderie, a sole sister atmosphere that welcomes all runners and walkers, and lots more running skirts. Here are five of the top women's races and series in the country. Sign up then train like Sage.

Disney Tinker Bell and Princess half marathons
Sage picked a winner. Let your inner child run free through the Magic Kingdom at these festival race weekends. Tinker Bell is in Disneyland, while Princess is in Disney World, but both allow thousands of runners to mix and mingle with Disney characters on courses that wind through each park. Racers put almost as much effort into costumes - Snow White, Belle, or Minnie, anyone? - as training. Bonus: your kids will be especially psyched to cheer you on.

Sage Steele gets some training advice from Disney runMom Lori Lovell

Nike Women's Marathon
Yeah, it's tough to snag an entry, but if you can, this race is so worth it. (Psst: Go through Team in Training.) This 26.2-mile race, and its half-marathon companion, traverses San Francisco with sweeping vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Ocean to take your mind off the killer hills in the first 10 miles of the race. Tuxedo-clad firefighters bestow each finisher with a Tiffany & Co. pendant.

Run fast by fueling up smart

Three more great races after the break.

What Not to Do in Wheel Pose

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:33:14 PST

Doing Full Backbend, also known as Wheel pose, isn't exactly on the list of beginner moves. It's demanding both from a flexibility as well as a strength standpoint, so it's best to stick to Half Wheel, Camel, and other easier variations before trying your hand at Full Backbend. When you are ready, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure you're doing this heart-opening pose safely and comfortably.

Clenching your tush: It takes lower body strength to hold yourself up in Wheel, but that doesn't mean you need to clench your glutes. Focus on engaging your quads and calves to release tension in your bum, allowing your lower spine to relax and fully extend.

Keep reading to find out other mistakes you might be making in Full Backbend.

One-Minute Makeover Tip: Add Shades of Valentine's Day Into the Mix

Marisa Tom — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:00:37 PST

Get the look of love just by reinventing your personal wardrobe wheel. Sure, you can splurge on lacy lingerie or a skintight cocktail dress, but for an everyday spruce-up, utilizing what you already have in the back of your closet will certainly make do. We've tapped our stylish community and chic editors to breathe new life into well-loved pieces - and this time around, we're making a serious case for shades of pink and red. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we're in a sweet state-of-mind: just up your pink (and red) lady quotient.

Don't go the cheesy route with your pretty pinks - make them pop in subtle ways. Try a pastel-hued peplum skirt, dusty salmon pink skinny jean, or a soft pleated maxi skirt.
'Tis the season to accentuate your shape. Opt for form-flattering cuts in even sexier hues of crimson red. Whether it be a zippered pencil skirt or a fiery sheer blouse, it's easy to create a sexy mood just with the right attention to detail and color.
If you're not a total girlie girl, that's OK. Go ultra-feminine with sweet accessories: fuchsia platform heels, rich magenta earrings, a pale pink clutch, or a bold red fedora. Never underestimate the aphrodisiac effect of a well-executed element of style.

Photos courtesy of JustPatience, Megan Zietz, and Style Extraordinaire

6 Places You Should Fight the Urge to Use Your Cell

Kristy Korcz — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:34:33 PST

A new survey says that 75 percent of Americans use their smartphone while on the toilet. No wonder 16 percent of cell phones have poop on them. Gross. Not only is talking, texting, or web surfing on the John a disgusting habit that encourages the spreading of germs and bacteria, but it can also cause awkward moments for others around you. But the loo isn't the only place you should consider a tech-free zone. Check out the list below for five other locations you should keep your phone under wraps and on silent.

At the movies - We all paid to get into the theater, so please keep your cell phone on silent and don't answer it if it rings; you'll be ruining the experience for the rest of us!
At the gym - Talking on your cell at the gym is a no-no according to FitSugar, and I'd have to agree. Getting distracted and walking away from equipment slows the rest of the gym-goers down, and no one really needs to hear you go into detail about last night's date, your annoying coworker, or your mother-in-law's upcoming visit while we're trying to run.
At the dinner table - If you've gone out of your way to meet with friends, family, or heck, even a date over dinner, the least you can do is keep your cell phone off the table. Placing your phone next to your plate just makes it seem like you're waiting for someone to call, or worse, looking for something better to do.
Behind the wheel - This one seems obvious, but 56 percent of people have seen someone use their mobile phone behind the wheel. Even scarier? Almost 25 percent of Americans have seen someone using a laptop behind the wheel.
In the bedroom - This is a no-brainer, right? Maybe not. A 2010 study showed that 10 percent of people would check texts during sex. Are we so preoccupied with staying connected that we can't even enjoy a little unplugged "business time"!?

One-Minute Makeover Tip: Reinvent Your Denim Topper

Marisa Tom — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:00:53 PST

Challenge yourself - take a wardrobe staple and transform it into something totally new. As much as we adore a good shopping spree, it's also great to reinvent the styling wheel with pieces you already own and love. Let's venture to the back of our closets and see what we can whip up with a little help from our favorite accessories, sweaters, and color combos. For today's quick makeover revamp: press "refresh" on your denim dress code.

Layer your denim in ladylike ways. Pair it with a sweet angora crew-neck sweater, tuck it into a colorful pleated chiffon skirt, or wear it over a long flowy maxi dress.
Cinch your denim top at the waist. By adding a textured, embellished, or bold belt, you're not only injecting a cool accessory into the mix, you're also adding extra shape and dynamic to your silhouette. Let's put some stock into the saying, "if you got it, flaunt it."
Top your denim blouse off with chunky, flirty jewelry. Let it peek out from under the collar, drape it at alternating lengths, have fun with it. We think a pop of metallic sparkle is a playful way to dress up your denim without having to do much work at all.

Photos courtesy of Thriftjuice, Postgradchic, and CBladyàlamode

Healthy Dose Link Time: Brooke Burke's Full-Body Workout

Susi May — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:32:18 PST

Brooke Burke's totally doable and fun full-body workout - Fitness
More on how Nike+'s FuelBand motivates movement - Geek.com
Poser health foods to avoid - Real Simple
Feeling low? Ten simple ways to improve your mood - Prevention
Red or white? Your wine preference could affect your breast cancer risk - The Stir
Get your health on and celebrate the Year of the Dragon - Fit Bottomed Girls
Cannabis-based mouth spray poised for OK by FDA - Newser
Work your way to full wheel and feel the glory of the back bend - Yoga Journal

The Best Indoor Workout Classes (Because It's Freezing Outside!)

Self — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:35:01 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar!

There are lots (and I mean, lots) of reasons why my motivation to work out during the Winter plummets - from the snowy commute to freezing cold winds to the cold, dry air that hits my chest with such force that it becomes hard to breathe. (Ahem, there's a reason I sign up for races that are after September - this born-and-raised Floridian prefers to train outdoors during the Summer.)

But it is possible to sculpt, strengthen, and sweat (majorly sweat) without having to be freezing cold during the winter. So when the weather outside is frightful, head indoors for these top full-body workouts that will help ward off Winter weight:

Indoor cycling: Ruth Zukerman, cofounder of NYC's FlyWheel cycling studio, is heating things up indoors with her 45-minute, heart-racing classes. (Self favorite Jillian Michaels is even a recent investor in the company). "I wanted to be part of the most innovative and effective indoor cycling program, and that is FlyWheel. I am thrilled to join the FlyWheel team," Michaels said in a press release. What makes cycling such an effective alternative is that it's taking the fun full-body workout people love indoors, and instead of scenery, you'll stay motivated to challenge yourself thanks to encouraging instructors and a killer playlist. Flywheel has an awesome on-bike technology board that lets you compete against other riders in the class. Plus if you're looking to shape up before hitting the slopes, "indoor cycling is great preparation for all Winter sports, especially skiing and snowboarding. I know from personal experience that when I hit the slopes I don't tire out easily or suffer from the kind of après-ski muscle pain that most people do, and it's because of indoor cycling," Zukerman says.

Try this move: If you're riding an exercise bike at home or the gym, try some interval training. One thing we often do at Flywheel is a "Sprint Chorus," meaning we increase our RPMs to a sprint during the song's chorus and then revert to a cadence on the beat of the music as the chorus ends.

More best indoor workouts after the break.