Wine With Wanda

Fitness Made Fabulous

Staying fit on the road can be a daunting task. Honestly, the hotel treadmill is the last place in the world I want to be -  I would rather walk miles sightseeing. But, I have had some getaways where I managed to shake up my exercise routine by doing something a little different - sunrise yoga on the beach in Florida is one of my favorite memories. That experience showed me that it was possible to make fitness a fun part of my vacation instead of an imposition. If you need a little inspiration to start working out, or just want a cute exercise outfit, here are three finds that make fitness on the road a piece of cake (whole-grain and low-sugar, of course!)

Ultimate You: A 4 Phase Total Body Makeover for Women Who Want Maximum Results
by Joe Dowdell
If you really want to increase your knowledge of fitness, nutrition, and weight management, this book is chock full of good information that will keep you on track no matter where you are. Author Joe Dowdell is the founder and co-owner of Peak Performance which was voted #3 gym in America by Men's Health Magazine. Celebrities, athletes and top fashion models have all trained with Dowdell. Ultimate You has some great tips like suggesting that you travel with exercise bands for a strength building workout that you can do anywhere. It also features great stretching sequences that you can easily perform in your hotel room or outdoors in the park and at the beach.


Marika Magic Shape Enhancing Activewear
$32-$42
Personally, I enjoy my workouts more when I am wearing a cute ensemble. I was recently asked to road test a Marika Magic Sports Bra and I give it a thumbs up. The fabric is very comfortable and moves with you. The power-mesh fabric also flattens and sculpts your tummy so that you look 10 pounds thinner without even breaking a sweat. So, if you don't make it to the gym, wear some Marika and no one will be the wiser! The Marika Magic line includes the Uplift Bra, a Tummy Control Pant, a Tummy Control Tank, a Butt Booster Pant and more.

Banjees Reversible Wrist Wallet by Sprigs
$15-$16.50
This nifty product is great for sports and travel. Banjees can store your cash, keys, ID, and even small cell phones in a comfortable pouch that zips shut. They are available in a variety of solid colors and patterns - I'm partial to the leopard print. Not only would this be great for storing your room key if you do venture out to the hotel gym, I would wear this at the airport to store my ID so I don't have to pull out my wallet. One size fits all divas (and divos.)

Haute Getaway: Pilates Retreat at Parrot Cay

Looking for a haute and healthy way to escape the brutal winter chill? Jet down to Parrot Cay for a restorative Pilates retreat - the private isle is now offering a  week-long Pilates experience (February 2-7, 2011). 1,000 acres and 3.2 miles of white-sand beaches, Parrot Cay is a private island resort in Turks & Caico with a range of accommodations, including ocean and garden-view rooms and suites, beach houses and villas.

Elizabeth Feltman, an instructor at Manhattan's renowned Erika Bloom Pilates Plus, is teaching the Pilates program and two classes will be offered each day. When you are not strengthening your core, be sure to stroll Parrot Cay's white sand beaches. Stay nourished with COMO Shambhala cuisine - healthy food with an Asian flare that emphasizes raw foods. You can also pamper yourself  with one of the Asian-inspired treatments offered at the COMO Shambhala Retreat. Daily group yoga classes are also available gratis!

Dates: February 2-7, 2011

Inclusions:

·         Five nights accommodation

·         All meals (excluding beverages)

·         Round-trip airport transfers

·         Twice daily group Pilates sessions

Rates: From $5,536 per person (single occupancy) or $8,022 (double occupancy) including tax and service charge.

Optional Extra: A 60 minute private evaluation session with Elizabeth Feltman ($150 + 10% tax)

 

Win a Wearable Workout: Stay in Shape on the Go with Shapercise

Darlings, please tell me that I'm not the only gal who believes that going on vacation entitles me to a short break from the gym? Not only do bulky sneakers and work-out clothes take up too much precious space in my carry-on bag, I love to walk so I usually rack up plenty of miles while sightseeing. Now instead of just strolling, I can Shapercise!

Shapercise can be worn everyday under your clothes just like other shapewear to instantly give you a sleeker look. However, Shapercise has the added advantage of helping your body burn extra calories. Created by chiropractor Dr. Denise Perron, Shapercise has a patent-pending technology that tones muscles and burns extra calories. Lightweight and comfortable, Shapercise has seamless resistance bands that force muscles to work harder during natural movement and consequently burns more calories. (I have to remind myself not to negate the possible positive effects of Shapercise by eating extra pieces of dark chocolate!)

Shapercise launched at Duane Reade in NYC in November and will be available nationally at other retailers in early 2011. The Waist to Knee Shaper is $29.99 and the High Waist Body Shaper is $34.99. 

One lucky reader will win a Shapercise High Waist Body Shaper in Nude/Beige in size large. (These are quite form fitting, so if you are normally a medium, the size large should fit.) To enter, just leave a comment below by 12:00 pm (EST) by Weds. November 24. The prize can only be shipped to addresses in the United States.

Baby, It's Cold Outside: Six Tips for Feeling Hot When the Temperature Drops

Ugh, I know that the change of seasons is a beautiful thing but in my heart I am a warm weather girl. Now that the temperature is starting to drop in my hometown of New York City, my flirty sundresses have been banished to make way for boots, coats, and all the bulky gear that winter demands. Bah humbug!

So until spring and summer come around again, I will be making a conscious effort to add some warmth to my life. Here are six fun ways to heat things up on those cold winter days.

1. Get Out of Town: Pack those sundresses in your weekend bag and follow the heat! Whether you prefer Los Angeles, Las Vegas, the Caribbean, or South America; a few days in the sun will rejuvenate you. Visit sites like LastMinute.com or Expedia.com for great deals on warm weather escapes. 

 

2. Snuggle Up: A good cuddle is perfect year-round but especially nice when it is chilly outside.  Have you and your sweetie been fighting over that couch potato accessory phenomenon known as the Snuggie? Be lovers not fighters in this kind of odd but cute Snuggie for Two ($19.99) For some suggestions on how to maximize your Snuggie experience, buy the Snuggie Sutra - a guide with, ahem, 100 Karma Sutra inspired positions, including the Charlie Sheen and the Matador. Available for $9.99.

3. Shake It Up:  You can't be a couch potato all the time - get moving and spice up your routine with Samba or Salsa dance classes, Zumba or bellydancing. The great music and moves will lift your spirits. If there is no dance school near you, just pump up the music and dance around your living room. Also, many cable television providers offer free exercise programs on demand.

4. Heat Up Your Wardrobe: Don't let drab days bring down your wardrobe, you can still be sexy in the winter. Bright colors will elevate your mood so opt for colorful gloves, hats, and scarves.

Why not top your little black dress with a vibrant coat or classic winter white? This DKNY Ruffled Placket Coat is timeless and on sale at Macy's for $181.99.

Animal print is also very big this season and a printed scarf is a snazzy way to stay warm and chic. This Fraas Zebra Print Muffler is available at Amazon for $21. View the full collection of Fraas scarves, wraps and hats at their website.

5. Spice Up Your Food: I crave spicy food year round but I really love the way that it seems to warm you up inside on a frigid day. Go beyond hot sauce, and try adding exotic spice blends to your recipes.

The Ingredient Finder is a great source for gourmet ingredients for the home chef who wants the very best. Try this Ararat Spice Blend of urfa biber (dried Turkish chile pepper), smoked paprika, and fenugreek. ($15)

Vosges Haut Chocolat takes hot chocolate up a notch with their Aztec Elixir Couture Cocoa. This magical mix of sweet and heat includes dark chocolate, ancho & chipotle chillies, Ceylon cinnamon, and Madagascar vanilla bean.

6. Get Pampered: A spa day is a great way to kick the cold weather blues to the curb. From hot rock massages to simple saunas, visit SpaWeek.com for year-round spa deals near you.