Feel Good Fashion: Going Green

The fashion industry's job is to tell you what to wear. Fortunately, a steady drumbeat of fashion companies and designers are turning the world onto eco-fashion by making styles that are chic and sexy. And why not, it's better for the earth, better for us and it is certainly better for the animals. We are living in a society where we scrutinize what foods we put into our bodies and where in the world they come from, doesn't it make sense to you to want to know something about what you are putting on your body?

Case in point, T. Luxe, an eco-friendly lingerie company, is proving "beauty is sustainable." The Brooklyn-made line creates innovative designs using sustainable practices with the lowest impact on the environment. All of T-Luxe designs feature luxurious sustainable fabrics like helm and organic silks which are colored through a low-impact natural dye process. All of the energy used to produce T-Luxe designs is off-set through carbon off-set programs.

What is most remarkable to me about T-Luxe is that it's making earth-friendly fashion that breaks the mold. Eco-friendly fashion is just that. Fashion. It doesn't have to be akin to the potato sack - dowdy and beige to be fabulous. Rather, this line is all about being frilly, flirty and feminine. Think sweet but with an edge of spice.

You can purchase T-Luxe at Nimli Pop-up Store on Great Jones Street in NYC or Pretty Thing in Beverly Hills or by clicking here.

Wouldn't you love breakfast in bed. Why not in this adorable blouse made of organic silk.

In another example of beauty saving the world, check out Above Magazine, a new quarterly magazine distributed by Comag, a division of Conde Nast. The magazine's goal is to education us through beautiful photography and great journalism about the challenging times we face today protecting our planet's endangered natural resources. In this issue, the cover story, model Elettra Weidemann, daughter of Isabella Rossellini, talks of her commitment to the environment. There is also an amazing story about the Florida Everglades.

Above Magazine's Spring 2010 premier issue.

Michael and I visited the Everglades in April. We did a boat tour and actually got to see an alligator up close. It was really thrilling. The alligator came right up to the boat and we got these amazing photos.

Just your friendly alligator I found in the Everglades.

So tell me, what do you do to be more green in your life? Do you eat locally? Do you wear eco-friendly clothing? Do your beauty products have pure, safe ingredients? Let me know in the comments.

The Simple Pleasures of Life

The older you get, the more you realize how important good health and nutrition is to your overall well-being. I read food labels, eat organically when I can and make sure I take in a balance of nutrients in my diet. I also make exercising a part of my daily routine. In addition to eating well and working out which we all know is good for your health, I love using the pure, safe and beneficial products from Arbonne, especially their blockbuster RE9 skincare system, to keep my skin looking youthful.

We also know that as you age, your life becomes richer and sweeter. This could mean luxuriating in the experience of the simple pleasures of life. For instance, getting to spend a warm afternoon with an old friend, reading the Sunday New York Times with a big cup of coffee or sinking your toes into the sand. There are also those guilty pleasures of life. Whether it's reality TV, desserts or Christian Louboutin shoes, let's face it, we all have them.

This past week brought out a whole lot of decadence in my life. Last week, I went to my first Yankee game of the season. It was a warm, beautiful night in the Bronx. No, that's not the guilty pleasure. It's the Lobel's steak sandwich. This hefty sandwich will throw you back $15, but the freshly sliced, finely cut meat is worth every bite. Since the Yankees won the World Series last year and we enjoyed a Lobel's for each game we attended, I guess I'm going to have to stick with tradition and get another one at tomorrow night's game.

Eating a Lobel's steak sandwich at Yankee Stadium. Photo credit: Lisa Kilmnick Motz

The other guilty pleasure took place on Saturday at Conrads Ice Cream Parlor & Luncheonette in Westwood, New Jersey. After gulping down an amazing peanut butter shake and a tasty sandwich, I set my eyes on a fancy pair of shoes - made of milk chocolate of course made at this classic 90-year old candy and ice cream mecca.

Chocolate pumps at Conrad's...

...are topped with red non-pareils and a cloth bow. The red non-pareils can be placed on the bottom to replicate Christian Louboutins for a slightly higher cost.

How was everyone's weekend? Did you get to enjoy a simple pleasure or were you more decadent? Let me know in the comments.

Are You Swimsuit Ready?

I know it doesn't feel like it in the Northeast, but summer is just around the corner. I moved my bright, sunny clothes to the front of my closet and brought the bikes up from the basement. But it wasn't until my swimsuit came into view that I realized I still had some work to do in some areas. Yikes. I looked at my calendar and came to the scary reality that summer is only 51/2 weeks away.

After a long, cold winter, I'm feeling my midsection isn't as toned as I would like it to be. There were plenty of nights of digging into comfort foods and drinking too much red wine. I need to take my workouts up another notch if I want to get into my bikini.

One way for you to tone your abs and help you feel comfortable in your swimsuit is by working with a medicine ball. The addition of a medicine ball is an easy way to get fabulous abs as well as a total body workout. Originally used by boxers, medicine balls are not only fun to use, but also provide a more efficient workout that really focus on your abs. Also, you don't have to perform a huge number of crunches when you use a medicine ball because it adds resistance and intensity to your basic ab routine.

Shape magazine has an incredible medicine ball. It has a unique grip that makes it easier to handle and use. They come in multiple sizes (6 pound, 8 pound, 10 pound and 12 pound weight increments), so there is one for everyone. You can order your medicine ball from The Shape Store here.

The fingergrip ball from Shape Magazine

Of course, you shouldn't only rely on ab work to get into your bikini. A proper healthy diet and a cardio exercise program should also be part of your game plan.

So, who is ready to strut their stuff this summer? Who is ready to show off their hard work this winter in a bikini? Are you ready to join me in a four-week abs challenge? Let me know in the comments.

Are Your Feet Ready For Sandal Season?

It's sandal season. Hooray!!! Are your feet ready to make their debut?

Get ready to make your feet happy by sinking them into Arbonne's amazing Herbal Foot Cream.

The truth is, it's so much more than just a foot cream! It's a fabulous foot cream. It's natural and very moisturizing. You'll walk away feeling refreshed. It's stimulating and soothing, and the rich, non-greasy herbal formula will make your feet feel amazing. Its blended with alpha hydroxy acids to prevent rough skin from forming and keep your feet feeling soft and supple. You'll love putting this on at night after a long day or right after a shower. The refreshing peppermint scent is addictive and the cooling sensation will blow you away. It's also great on other dry patches like your elbow and knees.

The Intelligence Herbal Foot Cream is available in a 4.3 oz. tube for $16 or 1.8 oz 5-pack travel size tubes for $24.50.

Don't stress. Just let me know what beauty delights you would like and make your feet happy. To purchase any Arbonne beauty or wellness product or if you need more information or want to have a spa party, you can contact me directly at jennifer.weitzman15@gmail.com or visit my web site jenniferweitzman.myarbonne.com. The products can be shipped directly to you or make a fabulous gift.

Fabulous Fridays: To The Moms We Love

Being a working mother and juggling today's contemporary lifestyle must not be an easy task. Corporate culture and being a mom are both demanding in of itself. Put them together and you'll find an amazing woman. This woman has learned to carefully balance her time between managing her career and family life.

To honor all the sacrifices Moms do, The National Mother's Day Committee, held a lovely luncheon at The Pierre in New York City on Thursday afternoon where a mix of hard-working career mom and media came together to attend the 32nd annual Outstanding Mother Awards.

I was so inspired by all the hardworking moms in the room. I could feel the motherly love in the air. Soledad O'Brien, the CNN Anchor and Special Correspondent served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Dr. Holly Atkinson, chief medical officer with HealthiNation, Maureen Chiquet, the global chief of Chanel, Mindy Grossman, the chief of HSN, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, a lawyer and advocate and Alfre Woodard, the award-winning actress and activist were all honored for demonstrating strong family values and job leadership.

What all these successful women, all from various backgrounds and career paths, had in common was having a strong mother in her corner, rooting for her and instilling in each of them the gift of self-confidence and a firm belief they could do whatever they wanted in life.

Laurie Dowley, Dr. Holly Atkinson, Mindy Grossman, Maureen Chiquet, Mark Shriver, Victoria Kennedy, Alfre Woodard, Stuart Goldblatt at the Outstanding Mother Awards. Photo courtesy of Berns Communications Group.

These leading women shared stories of their own mothers and offered their own tips on how to juggle a demanding career while raising a child.

When asked how to raise a child with good character, Dr. Atkinson said you need to set an example. "It's the only thing to influence a child," this human right advocate and educator said. "It's about being present in the mist of love." Dr. Atkinson got a chuckle from the sold-out crowd when she recalled her one sacrifice she made when she became a step-mother to Zoe. "I gave up a Jaguar when I got together with my husband. She explained that his daughter Zoe complained about the backseat of the luxury car being the size of a Chanel bag and Dr. Atkinson had to sell the car. Today Zoe now appreciate the merits of a Jaguar and now complains about not having one.

Maureen Chiquet, who was decked out in a lovely cream Chanel suit, told the audience that despite having a permanent first class seat on Air France, she is happiest when her children are happy and they are doing things they love. "That's when I feel the most successful," she said.

Victoria Reggie Kennedy reflected on words her grandmother and mother whispered to her: "You could be anything you want to be," her family told her.

Alfre Woodward told the crowd: "All of these children belong to us and I ask you to step up as big chiefs," she said.

But there was not a single dry eye when Mindy Grossman spoke so eloquently about her family. Two weeks ago, Mindy lost both her mom and dad within 72 hours of each other. Choking back tears, she said her parents always told her she was special and she could do anything. "I had the unconditional love and it has made me who I am today," she said.

The proceeds from the luncheon will benefits Save the Children's U.S. programs. If you want to donate to Save the Children, click here.

Later that night, I went to a special dinner in Westchester in honor of Lisa Gjelaj, who works with me at Arbonne and who is a mother of six children, all under 8 years old. Lisa was rewarded for her hard work and dedication with a brand new white Mercedes. This dynamite woman has successfully lead a huge team while raising her own army and has done it with such grace and class. When I talk to her on the phone about starting my Arbonne business, it sounds a little crazy in the background, but Lisa has always made the time for me.

I was raised by a working mom. My mom brought up my brother and I and at the same time received her Master's Degree and worked full time as a New York City school teacher. She would be home by 4 pm, drive us to our after-school activities, make dinner, help with our school projects, grade papers and if she was lucky, got a moment to herself. She always was there for us, made us feel loved and has always been my biggest supporter even though sometimes didn't deserve it.

Me and my Mom at the World Series in 2001.

My mom has given me the love of reading, knitting and she has certainly influenced my views of femininity and personal style which I'm very proud of. As I get older, I appreciate my mom more and more each day and I'm so glad I have so many of her wonderful traits. My mom is beautiful, strong and is full of compassion for all. A day doesn't go by without me placing a call to her and asking her opinion on everything I do. Now that I'm 40 and wanting a family of my own, I can only hope to be half as great as my Mom is to me. Thanks Mom for making me the woman I am today. I'm looking forward to celebrating with you this weekend.

Wishing all my fabulous friends and family members a very happy mother's. We wouldn't be the strong women we are today without your love.

Ole!

It's time to do the Mexican Hat Dance! It's Cinco de Mayo. Like the famous guacamole and margaritas made by my fabulous friend Tina at The Occasional Cook, nothing gets me in the mood for a good fiesta like fashion from south-of-the-border.

So to honor my love of all things and people from Mexico, here are my favorite picks for the perfect Mexican accent. And don't think you need to save these for a night with Don Julio. With the warm temperatures, these ethnic-inspired pieces are here to stay.

This festive, floor-sweeping cotton skirt from Roberto Cavalli oozes Mexico and of course I love it.

Mesh embroidered top from Topshop.

A woven cotton shirt with embroidered hemline from Forever 21.

Nothing speaks more of ethnic flair than Antik Batik and this colorful sheer silk kaftan would like at dinner or the beach.

Get ready to dance the night away in this silk dress in ethnic-inspired print with beads medallions from Nanette Lepore.

Finish off any look with this floral embroidered scarf.

I'm just left wondering if it's too early for a cocktail? Have a fabulous day everyone! Now that you know what to wear, what's everyone doing tonight to celebrate?

Olé!

Cycling Fun Day

I've been inspired by the amazing Kallie at Fit and Forty Something. You see Kallie is all about fitness, food and fun. She comes up with invigorating workouts, healthy meals that sound delicious and all the while living life to the fullest.

I try to live by that mantra everyday. And with the warm weather finally here, taking my workouts outside is getting easier. I recently put my gym membership on hold so I can do so. I especially want to do more outdoor bike riding. I love the freedom riding my bike gives me and seeing the pavement pass me by really gets me excited (more so than running, I feel like I'm really going someplace). Believe it or not, New York City is a a fabulous place to ride a bicycle. Over the past couple of years, the city has added hundred of miles of bike lands and paths, making it safer and more enjoyable. It's a great way to explore.

This past Saturday, Michael and I got our bikes out of the basement and finally took our maiden voyage. We went up the east side of the Isle of Manhattan, along the East River, across upper Manhattan and down the gorgeous West Side Greenway along the Hudson River to Battery Park.

Going for my first ride of the season along the Hudson River

It was a tough go for the first half of the ride. I struggled to keep up with Michael and couldn't even make it up a hill (something I usually can do well). But that was because the brake on my back wheel locked. Once I released it, I was able to ride the bike like it was meant to be. What a difference having two wheels spinning at the same time does for your ride.

I wanted to take more pictures of our tour, but I was too busy trying to keep up with Michael on the first half of the ride and wanting to get out of the sun along the second half. It was a great ride despite the crowds of people and I definitely want to go again.

After our ride, of course we were famished. After all, why bike ride if there isn't a meal involved? We headed back up to Harlem via the bus and train to Dinosaur Barbecue.

BBQ anyone?

Most of this ended up in my belly. Yum! But after our epic bike ride, it's well deserved. Don't you think?

So I'm just wondering, do you treat yourself to a big meal after a workout or do you workout the next day after a big meal?

Have a fabulous Monday!