I just got back from the Atlanta International Gift Show followed by the California Gift Show @ The L.A. Mart- two cities filled with the latest trends and tomorrows looks in home decor. I got to see some really fun and cool stuff that I wanted to share with you.
1. It's the new French Revolution- It seems that if you don't have a pillow with some french words scripted on it, clearly you are not that cool. Literally every designer showroom brought in this rustic French theme. I saw Eiffel Tower pillows, shot glasses, and salt & pepper shakers.
2. The British Are Coming! The British Are Coming!
The Beatles are back......again. So is Big Ben, and British Flags (like on these cool trunks above).
3. Anchors - I think this was my favorite come-back story of the shows. The Anchor is back and not in a snobby country club way. This is a fun and kitschy bath mat I saw from Kikkerland.
4. Insects and dragonflies are out! Owls, Peacocks, & Birdies are in! These flying animals were seen all over, from door mats to duvet covers.
5. I haven't seen this much Tie-Dye since my totally rad summer camp days in the 80's. It appears that, in anticipation of passing Prop 19: The Regulate, Control, & Tax Cannabis Act, designers were scurrying to set the mood. Unfortunately, the Prop didn't pass... but at least we got these cool pillows out of it.
Did you know that "Getting In Shape" is the number one New Years Resolution for over 70% of Americans? More importantly, of those 70%, not even half get past January before they stop going to the gym. Well, fear not my fellow comrades cause I'm gonna give you your no-nonsense, no excuse way to get in shape this year without ever leaving your apartment. This way, you can't even use the bad weather excuse for why you didn't go to the gym this Winter.
I'm gonna turn your apartment into a gym without a Bowflex! Here are 5 great exercises you can do in your home.
1. The Dirty Dozen - I learned this in college from a frat brother who thought he was Paul "Mr. Wonderful" Orndorff.
So, you start with one regular push-up, then stand up and do a push-up against the wall at a 45 degree angle. Then, quickly jump back to the floor and do 2 push-ups then jump up and do 2 push-ups against the wall and repeat in this way- 3/3, 4/4, 5/5, till you get to 12! Don't rest too much in between and try to knock this out in under 3 minutes. This is a great exercise to do at home and you will definitely see results.
2. The Perfect Pull-Up
This is great for pull-ups & chin-ups and fits on any standard door frame. Actually, I prefer the knock-off version called The Iron Gym. You can grab it on-line or at any Bed, Beth, & Beyond. Even if you don't use it, your guests will still think you do.
3. Climb the stairs
Remember those things that exist in your building or place of work that are to be used only in case of an emergency? That's right, stairs. Climbing stairs is a great way to tone your legs and butt while getting a great cardio workout at the same time. Even if you have only one flight, no problem! Tip: try alternating single stepping with double stepping to work the different muscle groups in your legs (i.e. one flight single, one flight double) and you'll have the tush you've always wanted in no time!
4. Toilet Squats
Toilets aren't just for texting on your blackberry. They're also for motivating you to do more squats than you've ever done before- another great way to tone up your legs and butt. Pick up the lid and the seat (that's right, both of them) and knock out a few sets of 10-12 squats. Get down as close as you can to the rim of the toilet without touching it- this will ensure that you have proper form and are getting the most from each squat. Your motivation: not touching that rim. Want extra motivation: try this in a public toilet!
5. Re-arrange everything in your place!
This is a great alternative to you and friend fighting through traffic to get to the 6:00pm spin class. Also, it's a great way to make some quick and easy changes in your place. Step 1- invite a friend. Step 2- pick a room that can use some sprucing. Step 3- make a gameplan (i.e. sofa here, coffee table there, etc.) and give yourself a time constraint. The key: using proper form so you don't get hurt (see example above- Barack- great form, knees bent, head straight. Other dude... he's not lifting anything yet but it sure looks like those knees are locked). Disclaimer: The Guy in 2A is not responsible for any injuries associated with this post.
And if you act now I'll throw in this bonus workout video!!!
