Fab Finds: Fitness

Hello Everyone!  Summer is here and wedding season has been in full bloom over here for all of us at My Bride Story!  It's been lovely seeing all of our fabulous brides & grooms tie the knot and see the many months of planning unfold into beautiful weddings!

Since summer is here, I just wanted to share with you a fabulous work out program that I discovered last year.  It's called Pure Barre.  Sometimes I think it's "pure torture" because of the intensity of the workouts but after the class is done, I feel pure bliss!

What is it?
The Pure Barre Technique is a total body workout that burns fat and produces lifted seats, toned arms, thin thighs, and flat abs by fusing elements of ballet, pilates and weights in a 55 minute intense session.  It is the most effective, fastest, yet safest way to change your body.
Pure Barre was founded by dancer, choreographer and fitness guru, Carrie Rezabek Dorr.  Carrie opened her first studio in 2011 in the basement of an office building in Birmingham, MI.  With no intial clients, signage or even a bathroom, the studio grew to a new location, a staff of 30 and a devoted clientele base. (Source)


Does it work?
They say that after just 10 classes you will see results.  I personally tried this program out last summer for one whole month and I did see results-- my arms were more toned, my pants fit better, and I felt better.  After the first class, I felt fine-- until the next day.  PAIN.. but the good kind.  You know, the kind where you are sore for days.  It hurt my stomach to laugh!
If you want a total body workout that lifts your seat, tones your thighs and burns fat in a short amount of time, check out this program.  Your first class is always free and they have specials for new clients, brides-to-be, and new moms.  The time goes by quickly because the exercises are done to fast, upbeat music.  It does BURN!!

As with any fitness program, do not over exert yourself and if necessary, consult a physician prior to starting a new exercise routine.
Will you check it out?  There are many locations in the LA and OC area.  Check it out!
xoxo,
sally

Fab Finds in Beauty

As women, we are always on the lookout for the latest trends in beauty or fashion. Wouldn't it be fabulous if you could sample different beauty products or different articles of clothing or accessories without breaking the bank?  I've got some great news for you!

I first read about Birchbox in one of my favorite magazines early year but soon forgot about it until recently. I decided to take the plunge and sign up for its services. If you don't know about Birchbox, I'm here to tell you as much as I know! It's the newest trend in beauty. Every month they send you 4 or more deluxe sized samples of various beauty products that they try out for themselves before including it in their boxes. The beauty products range from makeup to skincare to haircare. The products they send are considered luxury brands and the sample sizes are DELUX which means they are in bottles and tubes-- not in pouches.  If you don't mind pouched samples, they will send a generous number of pouches but you have the option to opt out and only receive the bottles and tubes. The co-founders met at Harvard Business School and they are all bona fide beauty junkies.  Not only do they provide this service, but they also have "how-to" videos from makeup artists who give you tips and show you tutorials on various looks.

(Source)

The best thing of all is the price-- ONLY $10 a month OR if you sign up for a whole year, it's $110. You can also earn points if you buy the full sized products from their website. For every 100 points you earn, you get $10 off products from their store. More information can be found here.

Look at the cute pink box that it comes in!

The pink box opens up to this sturdy and sleek kraft box.

Every box comes with a note that describes the products and how to use them. I find the attention to detail and quality of products to be absolutely amazing! This would be a great gift not only for yourself but for your bridesmaids!!  

My April Birchbox contained these products.  They decided to "go green" and provided some organic and eco-friendly products which I am so excited to try!

The cute little card is from Bloomin, a stationary company that specializes in eco-friendly chic designs. 

What are you waiting for?!?! For only $10 a month, you have to try it!! You can always opt out anytime but I think it's totally worth the money. Have you ever heard of Birchbox? Check them out here.