Sweat: Stretch Before, Stretch After

Stretching is good for the heart. It helps to break up the lactic acid deposits that are stored in muscles. If muscle are over burdened with lactic acid they stiffen up because clean oxygenated blood cant flow through. I often struggle with remembering to stretch properly. Before you physical exertion a gentle warm up helps to get the blood flowing; after a workout a gentle cool down helps the muscles flush out waste.

This 2011-12 ski season, I have been blessed with infinate powder days. I can honesty say that I have had more powder days this season than park days. Thanks to mother nature, Sunshine Village, and Red Mountain. The powder is heavenly- and the pillows luxurious. I'm loving the conditions; even though my muscles are taking a beating from the mountain and the fresh snow.

I find that religiously following an exercise program like TAM really helps keep my body in top mountain shape. TAM workouts help increase: strength, flexibility, and cardio. With all the physical demands of the mountain, I'm finding myself in need of a little extra TLC. I have had to up the anti on my stretching.

This 10 minute stretch routine, will help build strength and flexibility. It is a great way to loosen up your muscles and warm up the body. Perfect before of after the slopes. 

My Beach

We all have our special place, where we feel perfectly content. Corona the beer company has employed the concept of finding your beach to their latest ad campaign. I like the metaphor behind the concept, because it acknowledges a universal difference in the search for utopia.  The beer company is currently running a commercial that features a snowboarder ripping up the slopes of a sand filled mountain.

As a winter enthusiast; I struggled with the believability of the ad. I really love what Corona is attempting to market, however I personally have no desire to ever ride on sand: the dust would be annoying, and awful to taste; and the sand particles would forever be stuck in my gear. If I were to ever shred on sand, I would be so petrified of falling and munching a huge mouth full of sand that I would not be able to enjoy a single second of my ride. 

So, I decided to define my beach. Sand free. 

And land locked in Alberta. 

Winter Beauty-Lushes Lips

As far as I am concerned winter is the best time of year. Snow beautifully dresses up the environment which makes for a picture perfect sight. Winter activities shine, and the lure of Hot Chocolate and mulled wine is enticing. Winter is a fairy tale come true, from tobogganing to ice skating, snow shoeing to dog sledding and of course my personal favorite Skiing/Snowboarding. Winter boredom is a myth, the activities are endless.

I grew up in Banff Canada and therefore with skis on. I spent the better part of my childhood ripping through tree lines in search of bumps. American Thanksgiving has traditionally been a time of the year in which I am thankful for because it means I can enjoy the mountains. Ski resorts open, and I'm pulled by an invisible force to occupy the chairlifts. 

Sunshine Village  in Banff Alberta, is my favorite. The snow is amazing, the mountain is huge, and the lifts are fast. I love cruising the resort, and playing in the terrain park. 

A minor irritation I have towards winter is, the curse of chapped lips. The cold air, dehydration, and outdoor activities do a number to my lips. I hate the feeling of stiff dry lips. Luckily with a few minor beauty adjustments you can prevent and avoid dry lips. Allowing you the freedom to flash a beautiful lushes smile all winter.

First: Ditch drying lip products such as matte and long wear lipsticks. If you need color to dress up your pout choose a tinted lip balm, and reapply often through out the day. If you go and enjoy the outdoors, remember to wear sunscreen and choose an SPF lip balm. The UV rays reflect of the snow and can hit skin with extra force. 

Second: Choose the right lip balm; you want  to fight and heal the cracking sensation. Choose lip care with ingredients like: shea butter, hyaluronic acids, dimethicone, and natural waxes.

Third: Add a soothing oil, oil can help restore moisture to dry skin. Try cocoa butter, beeswax, and Argan oil. Oil is rich in vitamin E and Fatty acids which help prevent skin dehydration.

Fourth: Avoid Fragrances!

Fifth: Eliminate Flakes by using a lip exfoliant or scrub. Lips need a more gentle exfoliant than your skin, so to avoid further irritation gently scrub lips and be sure to reapply lip balm and oil immediately after to help nourish the fresh skin.