Want to feel sexier? Ditch the lingerie and lace up those sneakers, throw on that sports bra and hit the gym! Research shows that women who exercise not only have increased levels of body satisfaction but also have stronger sexual desires. The hormones released during exercise relieve stress and increase confidence, self-image, and mood, making you more likely to initiate intimate time with your sweetie. And believe us, your partner will notice too. Why? Because when you feel beautiful and sexy – you instantly become beautiful and sexy! Experts also believe that people who are mentally and physically fit are more likely to have good sex lives. So if you are looking to bring sexy back (into the bedroom), be sure to hit the gym before you hit the sheets.
NLT: Heat up the bedroom with one of this season’s hottest workouts – pole classes! Think we are talking about the been-there, done-that pole classes on the bachelorette party circuit? Think again! From yoga pole to salsa pole to belly pole, these new pole-fusion trends are dancing their way into one major workout movement. These classes are sassy, calorie-torching workouts that benefit your body and mind. Check out Pole Fitness Association to find a studio in your state. You can also check with your local gyms as many offer introductory classes and series to build seduction skills and keep blood flowing.
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Want to feel sexier? Ditch the lingerie and lace up those sneakers, throw on that sports bra and hit the gym! Research shows that women who exercise not only have increased levels of body satisfaction but also have stronger sexual desires. The hormones released during exercise relieve stress and increase confidence, self-image, and mood, making you more likely to initiate intimate time with your sweetie. And believe us, your partner will notice too. Why? Because when you feel beautiful and sexy – you instantly become beautiful and sexy! Experts also believe that people who are mentally and physically fit are more likely to have good sex lives. So if you are looking to bring sexy back (into the bedroom), be sure to hit the gym before you hit the sheets.
NLT: Heat up the bedroom with one of this season’s hottest workouts – pole classes! Think we are talking about the been-there, done-that pole classes on the bachelorette party circuit? Think again! From yoga pole to salsa pole to belly pole, these new pole-fusion trends are dancing their way into one major workout movement. These classes are sassy, calorie-torching workouts that benefit your body and mind. Check out Pole Fitness Association to find a studio in your state. You can also check with your local gyms as many offer introductory classes and series to build seduction skills and keep blood flowing.
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Thinking of skipping your annual vacation this year because there is just too much to do? You’re not alone. Nearly 1/3 of Americans don’t use all of their allotted vacation time. You may think you are being a stellar employee by sticking around to help out at work, but skipping a vacation can actually make you more burned out less productive. In fact, research shows that workers are 25% more productive after returning from a vacation. Vacations are a great time to rest, refresh and recharge, so go ahead and plan that hard-earned vacation. And remember – a vacation is not a luxury…it’s a necessity!
NLT: Looking to do something different this summer? Why not participate in the world’s largest food fight? Each August, a giant tomato fight descends upon the tiny town of Bunol, Spain. In honor of this weeklong festival, 30,000 people gather to participate in a fun-spirited tomato battle! And with them comes 90,000 pounds of tomatoes ripe for battle. Check out www.latomatinatours.com for more info. And only a 45 minute train-ride from the beautiful Spanish coast, Bunol is the perfect summer destination. Delicious food, beautiful beaches and a tomato-covered afternoon of fun? Now that sounds like a vacation the whole family can enjoy! If Europe is too exotic for you, then embrace your inner child and have a water fight in your backyard instead.
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Did your dog ruin another pair of your favorite shoes? Did your significant other forget to pick up groceries again? Did your kids spill grape juice all over your new white carpet? Let’s face it: we all get angry! While keeping it bottled up inside may seem like the right thing to do sometimes, research shows that letting out some aggression may actually help keep stress levels in check. Research also shows that by expressing anger, we are more likely to make better decisions in general. Since anger is easier to manage when it’s expressed, letting it out will help you cope and move on to more stress-free days. So go ahead, let it out! Just make sure you do it in a productive manner.
NLT: Looking for a new way to express your anger without looking like a maniac? Why not try letting out aggression and toning muscles? Yes, it’s possible to do both! We suggest blowing off some steam with Capoeira. From the land famous for acai, supermodels, and sublime beaches, Capoeira is a hot trend to come from the fabulous country of Brazil. It combines dance with martial arts for an active workout that’ll let you channel your stress and anger in a healthy, fun and beautiful way. To learn some basic moves check out: http://capoeirauniverse.com/capoeira-moves/basic-capoeira-moves-list/.
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Need to catch up on some zzzs? Ditch your traditional mattress and try sleeping in a hammock. No longer just a relaxing summertime swing, over 10 million people worldwide are now choosing to sleep in hammocks. Sound crazy? Well, researchers think these rocking cradles may be the answer to your sleep problems. The Journal of Current Biology reports that the gentle rocking motion found in hammocks adds a lulling sense of comfort that helps induce sleep. This not only helps you fall asleep faster but also stay asleep longer. In fact, swaying back and forth increases the time you spend in a deep non-dreaming state, which is the key component to a good night’s sleep. Hammocks also contour to your body’s natural shape, eliminating all pressure points for one enjoyable night of sleep. Turns out babies may not be on the only ones who can benefit from a little gentle rocking when it comes to sleep.
NLT: Sick of those long nights spent tossing and turning? It’s time to invest in your very own peaceful sleep swing! Check out www.hammocks.com to browse a huge selection and find the one that’s right for you. We love the Brazilian hammock: Made out of thick cotton instead of rope, this hammock is not only comfortable but also durable and affordable. What do you have to lose except for a great night’s rest?
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While we all love to be bronzed and beautiful in the summer, all that time in the hot summer sun can leave you and your skin looking exhausted. Months of extra sunscreen application, while extremely important for blocking harmful UV rays, can wreak havoc on your skin. So give yourself a little extra TLC this month with an energizing dose of coffee. Yes, coffee! Coffee is not only a perfect morning pick-me-up beverage, but it can also be a great morning pick-me-up for your skin. A recent study from the University of Tennessee found that topically applied caffeine reduces inflammation of the skin. Coffee grounds act as a natural exfoliant, removing dead cells and revealing fresh and healthy skin. Research also suggests that caffeinated substances such as coffee can help repair cellulite damage. Caffeine reduces the puffiness associated with cellulite by moving fluid quickly throughout the body and also tightens up blood vessels, so skin looks smoother and sleeker. Start your morning off right – with some coffee in the shower!
NLT: Don’t throw away leftover coffee grounds – use them to make your own coffee body scrub. After you’ve had your morning cup, mix 3 tablespoons of the used coffee grounds, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl. Apply while taking a hot shower. Lather, rinse, dry and voila – a caffeinated way to healthy, smooth, beautiful skin! Looking for more do-it-yourself ways to maintain that healthy glow? Check out more skin care recipes on our website. We love this Carotenoid Protective Mask, as it helps protect against sun damage for firmer, healthier skin. http://www.nutritiouslife.com/carotenoid-protective-mask/
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It’s time to hit the beach! As the summer sun glows, it seems we are all flocking to the sandy shores for some much needed relief. With so much time spent on the sand and in the ocean this month, why not turn beach time into gym time? Ever tried jogging on the sand? It’s a more intense workout than simply running on pavement, and it burns more calories. Sand provides natural traction and resistance that encourages your muscles to work harder. Research shows that running on sand also increases the strength of your ankles, knees and muscles and is less strenuous on your joints. All of this means you are less likely to develop injuries. Burn more calories and prevent injuries? Now that’s what we call exercise! Not a runner? That’s ok! The beach also provides a perfect platform for a strength training workout. From squats to lunges to curls, the beach is a perfect place to set up your own personal gym. And the best part is that once you work up a sweat, you’re only steps away from a refreshing dip in the ocean.
NLT: Looking for a way to kick start that beach workout? We love celebrity trainer David Kirsch’s “Gym in a Bag.” It comes with a set of wrist weights, a medicine ball and even a DVD that you can use when you’re off the beach. And if that wasn’t enough, it all comes delivered in one easy-to-carry bag, so that you can take your workout from home to the beach in an instant. With gear that accessible there really are no more excuses for skipping a workout on the go. http://davidkirschwellness.com/_product_20004/DAVID_KIRSCH%27S_GYM_IN_A_BAG
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May 8th is Mother’s Day and while there are so many wonderful ways to celebrate the lovely lady, consider the timeless joy of flowers. A Rutgers Study showed the positive effects flowers have on mood, fostering a sense of intimacy and friendship between the giver and the recipient. What’s surprising is that these positive, uplifting effects work equally well on men as they do on women. This study also showed that flowers elicited a better response than any other presented stimuli, meaning that the gift of a flower makes everyone smile more than other precious gifts.
NLT: Can’t decide on the perfect bouquet for mom? Why not take her to a botanical garden for a walk in a field of flowers? You can enjoy the beauty and benefit from walking. From Hawaii to Maine, every state in the country has a botanical garden. Check out this website to search for a public garden near you, and make this her best Mother’s Day yet.
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According to Dr. James Maas, from Cornell University, 65% of Americans are sleep-deprived daily. This leads to inadequate physical and cognitive ability, fatigue, overeating and even depression. Let’s get maximum enjoyment from May daytime hours by getting a good night’s rest.
NLT: Those long May days might make it difficult to get to bed at night, making it hard to be an early riser. Try some Buddhist meditation in the morning and evening to relax your body and mind. This form of meditation is found to lower your stress-induced hormone cortisol, and lower your pulse rate to keep you cool, calm, and collected. Pick up a how-to book at your local bookstore, or check your local listings for a Meditation Center near you. Many have classes for beginners, skeptics, and people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
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Happy physical fitness month! Celebrate May by going for a bike ride. You’ll burn a ton of calories and sweat like a champ. And if you swap your car for a two- wheel commute to work, you are also doing your part for the planet and saving money on gas. In Amsterdam, there are more bikes than cars per capita and it seems they’re on to something. A study found that those who commuted to work on a bike had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and were in better moods, which in turn made them work more efficiently. If you can’t navigate rush hour on a bike, try cycling around the neighborhood or a local park before or after work.
NLT: After a nice, long bike ride what’s better than treating yourself to a glass of… wine? Now, the two can really go hand in hand. Renowned bike manufacturer, Campagnolo, has expanded their structural building skills into the world of wine. Mimicking the durability of their bikes, they created the ultimate corkscrew. The Campagnolo corkscrew makes a great gift and looks elegant enough to leave out of the kitchen drawer. You can even bring it along on your next bike ride!
Available at Amazon
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According to studies conducted at the Kinsey Institute, partners who regularly engage in couples activities have a healthier sex life, one that is less likely to become stale or complacent. To keep things spicy, consider including your partner in some of your regular activities; cook together, take an exercise class together or simply run your errands together.
NLT: May gives us many reasons to celebrate, including our favorite fiesta, Cinco de Mayo. Take your sweetheart salsa dancing for a new way to get sexy and sweaty! What’s sexier than shaking your hips like Shakira on the dance floor? Take a private lesson or go to a salsa club! Ay Mami!
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