Lisa's Likes--Travel Essentials (Just In Time For The 4th of July)

It’s official.  SUMMER is here! Hello June, July, August and sun.

But before we get too ahead of ourselves, remember those resolutions that you set back in January? Of course you do (especially when you start to see your hard work pay off as you slip on your swimwear and head to the beach). 

It's important to remember those resolutions and honor your commitments to push yourself to new limits at The Studio (MDR), but what's equally important is taking time to relax and simply enjoy some R&R.  Nothing says "relaxing" like going on a summer vacation, and SimplyStylist.com recently asked our own, Lisa Hirsch, to share the must-haves in her travel bag.

Lisa's picks are fashionable, practical and functional but our personal fave on the list is the Luna Chocolate Dipped Coconut Bar For women.  Lisa admits, “Airports are the worst when I’m trying to eat healthy so I always have a couple of Luna Bars on hand. Chocolate Dipped Coconut are my favorite, especially when I get stuck on an unexpected layover.”

To read the full article, click here.

Lisa's Likes: Pinterest - Motivation For Fitness & Life!

Fitness has become my life.  Day-in and day-out, you will either find me at The Studio (MDR) or working outside of the studio to spread the word through press, events, and meetings – and I’m not complaining one bit.  I love that I get to do what I am most passionate about. However, I must admit that I have a new passion I am pursuing…and this addiction can be summed up in one word: PINTEREST.

If you’ve joined this site, then you already know what I'm talking about.  2am re-pinning?  Uhmmm hello?! Been there...a lot!  Hours on end of searching for my favorite couture, hair styles, art, travel and so much more?

You bet!  It’s such a wonderful site full of ideas, projects, and most importantly, MOTIVATION!

Sometimes even the most ambitious, go-getting people like us need that extra boost of encouragement to stay on track, and I have gathered a collection of inspiring quotes and sayings to do just that!  So take a look, share a pin, and let’s all get our fabulous tushes to The Studio (MDR). That beach body you see online is definitely attainable with our help.  So stop hesitating and just jump in!

Superfood Saturday From The Studio (MDR): This Week, It's All About Chia Seeds

It’s time for Superfood Saturday at The Studio MDR and this week it’s all about the Chia seed!  Yes, this----> chia seed.  While most of us know the word "chi" from the famous ch-ch-ch-chia jingle, chia seeds are becoming a widely popular superfood that you can add to almost anything you eat or drink!

Superfood Saturday Facts About Chia Seeds:

• Chia seeds have more Omega-3 fatty acids than any other plant food, including flax seeds, and they are about 20% protein.
• When soaked in liquid, Chia seeds form a thick gel. When consumed, researchers believe they slow down the rate at which digestive enzymes turn carbs into sugar, making it especially beneficial for diabetics and others with blood sugar issues.
• Chia is hydrophilic and will absorb more than 12 times its weight in water. This makes it helpful in maintaining body hydration, something that is especially beneficial for athletes who need to remain hydrated.

Chia seeds are so high in antioxidants that they do not spoil easily and can be stored for long periods. PLUS, they have also been known to improve the following:

• Anti-aging
• Weight loss
• Gastro-intestinal health
• Bone health
• Prenatal health
• Heart health
• Stabilized blood sugar
• Prostate health
• Menopausal symptoms

Not many side effects have been reported as a result of ingesting Chia seeds but if you have high blood pressure or allergies, you should consult with your doctor before consuming them.

You can order Chia seeds online or pick them up at your local health foods store like Sprouts or from our neighbors at Whole Foods Venice.  If you are not sure what to add Chia to in your diet here are some tips and recipes! And if you've tried chia seeds, we want to hear from you. Tell us how they have helped you look it+feel it+live it in the comments section below.