January 22, 2014

Props to aerie

January 22, 2014/ sherri d'alessandro

I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times... "Every human you see in a magazine, in a commercial, or on a website is photo-shopped, so just relax." I've got to hand it to aerie... come to find out... they are now no longer re-touching their models. Tan lines, tattoos, bra-overhang (although tiny - they ARE models) -- it's all there in their #aeriereal campaign.

I'm just so impressed, aerie, Bravo... BRA-freaking-VO. I've always liked aerie as a brand. Back in my Simon days... we opened a few and I was impressed with how the models in their window posters were wearing what I would consider, cute "lingerie". It wasn't over-sexualized or seductive like other brands I know (won't mention any names).

Look at these photos... these women look INCREDIBLE. And you know what else? I'm actually pretty stoked that they used actual models instead of a variety of women and here's why: Although I love the D ove, Love Your Body campaign, the aerie campaign reveals that, yes, even models do not have photo-shop-perfect bodies. More and more studies are proving that, depressingly, young women believe that they should look like women that they see in advertisements, billboards, and magazines. Ugh.

Which brings me to my next point. Guys, we need to be really careful. We need to set a better example for young women. We have to stop saying the F-word (fat - in case you didn't know - I'd prefer the actual F-word to be honest) in front of young girls. We have to stop comparing our bodies to others. And, we have to stop picking apart all of our imperfections. Just stop.

Which brings me to my final point. I started writing this health/fitness/wellness/lifestyle blog because coworkers and friends would ask me how I eat pizza and ice cream and still stay fit. It's all about balance and being happy and eating real food and MOVING. That's it. Stay away from diets, stay away from fake food (fat-free, light, sugar-free) it's all fake. Move-Your-Body. Get to the gym, go for a walk, take up a hobby. Do something you love, every day. And finally, surround yourself with amazing people. I'll give tips and tricks and ideas on this blog for all of the above, but, you won't see a post that says "LOSE THAT ARM JIGGLE" OR "TRY THIS WORKOUT FOR 6-PACK ABS". Sorry, not happenin. Feel good, look good.

That's it, that's all I got. Props aerie - I'm going to go buy some things now - I feel like I'm donating to a cause.

Check out all the gorgeous models at aerie.com

(And No, aerie did NOT contact me to write this post. They have NO IDEA that I am promoting this campaign.)

Have an AWESOME thursday!!!! xo

January 20, 2014

Weekend Sunshine_1.20.14

January 20, 2014/ sherri d'alessandro

Whew... this weekend FLEW! (do I say that every Monday??) Maybe it felt even faster because everyone around me had the day off today. I... did not. But, I made the most of it. Traffic was super light and I went to the gym this morning and got after some serious intervals and pushed the sled (does that thing ever get easy?... woof)

Friday kicked off with a lotttt of traffic... admittedly, I was rather cranky, but, had an instant mood change once I ordered this:

This weekend was a lot of fun. Ella (my 7 year old niece) came to stay with me in the city. She's just the best kid in the world... so fun, sweet, thankful, friendly, outgoing, and easy to please. We kicked off the day picking out the fixings for sundaes with Rob and then took an uberx to the aquarium (she really likes uberx).

We met up with Uncle Brett and navigated the whole aquarium. Ella loved it! I think we all agreed that the giant sea turtles were our favorite. The penguins and seal show were a close second though.

After dinner, we introduced her to the North End. Dinner at Pellinos and her first Mike's Pastry whoopie pie! She lit up like a Christmas tree as soon as she stepped inside... it was awesome. :)

{For those that don't know... I'm a HUGE Pats fan... I'm the commissioner in my fantasy league sooooo.... I'm not going to talk about Sunday afternoon... Ok?}

Since Rob had the day off today... I decided to treat the end of day like a vacation day. Poured myself a small glass of vino and made this healthy salad for us... this thing is jam packed with antioxidants and protein. Simple to make, too.

Steak
Baby spinach
Apples
Roasted chickpeas
Goat Cheese
Pomegranates
Avocados
Cranberries
Almonds
Dressing: 2-3 parts extra virgin o/o, 1 part red wine vinegar, tbs of honey mustard, tbs of honey, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, pepper to taste - mix & dress

Hope you all had a great weekend! Stay warm out there... looking like another wacky weather week all over the country!

January 17, 2014

Friday Favs_1.17.14

January 17, 2014/ sherri d'alessandro

The weekend is upon us and I'm so excited! Tonight, we are FINALLY going to see American Hustle. All of my favorite stars in one movie... it's going to be great! This weekend, I'm taking my niece around Boston to go to the Aquarium and get dinner. I'm so excited... she's 7 years old now... the time really does fly!

I hope you are all getting ready for a GREAT weekend! Here are my fav things of the week:

Last night, I met up with Janet and Rebecca at the new Ward 8 that opened up in the old Nebo location in the North End. The vibe was really cool and the food was great. The drinks, though... amazing! This one here isn't on the online menu, but, I believe it is called the Espinosa. It tasted like strawberries and cream - you cannot go wrong.

This video on how sugar effects the brain will make you rethink that bag of delicious swedish fish.

This review from Refinery on fitness bands provides the best info I've read so far on how they work and which one is best for you! (I think I need one... stat)

I can't remember the last time I had a pop tart (maybe when my mom bought them during our last Martha's Vineyard trip - 7 years ago!) I don't buy them because they are loaded with junk... but these... THESE are homemade. Need to try this recipe that I found on Pinterest via Oprah.com