Blog entries for kristin

Buff Bride: Week Three

kristin — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:06:22 GMT

Well, today began week three of working out at Fitness Together in Milwaukee's third ward. I had some setbacks last week, which led me to have to cancel my third scheduled workout... and I spent the weekend at a friend's summer home enjoying great grilled food and beer. Needless to say, I was worried about my muscles wussing out on me today, and my trainer (Stephanie) noticing.

But, to my surprise, I made it through the upper exercises without a problem. I noticed that I was using heavier weights than last week, and I wasn't struggling to get the last "sets" in. Yeah, it was still work, but I am beginning to focus in more on the groups of muscles that should be working hard for the certain exercises.

Take chest presses for instances. I noticed last week when I was doing these presses, my arms would get tired so quickly. Stephanie told me that I should be letting my chest muscles do all the work, so I refocused my energies, and sure enough. My arms were less sore when I was finished, but I could feel the "burn" in my chest instead. I am beginning to see the relationships between the exercises Stephanie is helping me through, and where I am beginning to see and feel the results.

Motivation is another key factor.

I had a fun weekend, but there were (like there always are) some stresses when you get together with a large group of people... and there is drinking involved. Also, many of the girlfriends I was hanging out with are very very thin. Since it was so beautiful out, they were all hanging out by the lake in 2-piece swimsuits. Me, on the other hand, I forgot my swimsuit (just the bottom, even more frustrating than forgetting the whole thing) so I just stuck to the shorts and tank top to enjoy the sun. Its been a long time since I have felt that self conscious about my body. But, I had a great way to get over my anger and the frustration the minute my workout began. With ever push and pull, I put all my anxiety into the exercise. It felt great! I feel so much better about my "misunderstandings" from the weekend, and I could move on to enjoying the beautiful day. Also, I know that with work and dedication, I will feel more comfortable in a swimsuit again (though this pale gal needs to find some self tanner)

So, for the record, no weight loss yet. No big deal to me. I am sleeping better than ever, and that is such a bonus. I am a very light sleeper, so to sleep through the night without going over "alphabetical cities" (this is how I sometimes try to lure myself to sleep) is such a treat. And, and this is so exciting, I don't get so weary going up three flights of stairs with my arms full of groceries after shopping (hooray!)

I work out again tomorrow, but Fitness Together is closed July 4th and 5th so these hard working folks can get a little vacation in. I'm telling you readers, get into this place. Stephanie is really helping me to reach my goals, without putting too much pressure on me to move to the next level. I am always greeted with a smile, and Ryan even calls me on my cell to make sure I'm still feeling OK with all the new changes (I tell you... how great is that!) It's a great relationship, and I can't wait (well, I'm a bit scared) to see what kind of agonizing lower body exercises she has in store for tomorrow (yikes!)

Yours...

The Buff Bride (to be!)

Wedding Planning: A Photo Booth?

kristin — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:17:16 GMT

As some of you may know, I am getting married this October to a member of the Onmilwaukee.com staff. Planning is in "full swing" right now; we've got the church, the recption site, the dj, and THE CAKE (man I love cake.) We're throwing out some ideas to make the event more fun and memorable, and one of those ideas was renting a photobooth for the reception.

Now, we already have fantastic photographers booked for the event (Frontroom Photography out of Bayview), and I made a point when we were discussing what kind of photographs we would like for our wedding, that I would like some candid shots of our guests included. But, I think that if we rent a photobooth too, we can get some pretty original and creative shots through the night, not to mention that it would give our guests something fun to take home with them since the photos print right away.

So, what do you think folks? Photobooth: cool idea or just an excuse to have visual evidence of public drunkenness and wedding hookups?

Here are a few links of photobooth options.

http://www.partypicturebooth.com/

http://www.thetravelingphotobooth.com/info.html

The Buff Bride: Week 2

kristin — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:26:13 GMT

So this buff bride managed to get through her two appointments at Fitness Together last week. After the second work out, complete with squats, free-weights, and all kind of crazy "core" exercises, I was sore. Imagine this, I bent my knees to reach down to pick up something I had dropped, and I basically needed help to get me back up. Ow. Big Ow.

Not that I was overworked, or hadn't stretched out enough, I just felt the muscles in my body basically "coming back to life" (sorry if that sounds dumb.) Yeah, it hurt, but at least I could feel the strength coming back into my legs. Even slipping on my jacket the other night, I could feel a bit of a throb in my biceps. But, at least I know that the muscles are working, and I'm on my way to being a buff bride.

I worked out again this morning, doing many of the same strength building exercises of last week, but also incorporating some new ab exercises. I thought that today would be easier than last week, and parts of the exercise routine was, but it was still hard work. I did have to push myself though, from set to set. My trainer kept encouraging me, saying I was having a "gold star day", and keeping my motivation in check. I did have a moment when I was doing these crazy leg extension step things that I got a bit lightheaded, and my trainer responded very quickly. I took a minute to drink some water, put a cool towel on the back of my neck, and took some deep breaths. I was fine a few minutes later, and I was able to finish the workout.

I'm not losing weight yet, and I really don't expect to be this soon into the program. Weight loss is relative, if you think about it. Considering that we are made up of mostly water, your body can do things to trick you into thinking you've lost weight right away. Most weight loss, in this quick case, is due to dehydration. I have always had a problem with drinking enough water, ever since I was a kid (my mom basically had to beg me to stay well hydrated when I was a small Kris.) I'm making a big effort to drink twice as much water as I usually do. I try to remind myself that the weight I am trying to loose "needs to come out of the body somehow."

So, my goals for this week. Keep a eye on portion size (I notice I am so much more hungry with the exercise), drink more water, and take longer walks on my days between the workouts (lucky for me, my dog loves this idea too!)

Most important, I remind myself that this is hard for a reason. I have never had a regular workout routine, and so this kind of exercise is completely new to me. I was one of those gals when I was younger (who I hate now) who was always thin and never had to exercise. It's a much different story now, I'm older now, and this is a big change in my life. But, I'm determined. Yeah, I want to look good on my wedding day, and in all those wedding photos. But, more importantly, I want to have pride in a body and in a physical sense of self. The most difficult projects in my life have always been the ones I have appreciated the most. The dress that took me almost a year to finish is still the pride of my design portfolio. But, I don't have to wait for the finished product to be proud in this case; I am proud of myself for making this change, taking the step towards being more healthy, and I can't wait to see the subtle changes in my body.

Cheer me on folks.

BTW. I'll have some better pics of me up soon, so we can see some "before and after" pictures.

Buff Bride: Eliminating the Back Butt

kristin — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:21:42 GMT

Do you know what a "back butt" is? Until I tried on the wedding dress of my dreams, I had no idea either. I am getting married in October. The proposal was beautiful, the ring an absolute knockout, and my husband-to-be by far the smartest, kindest (and most handsome!) man I have ever known. Ah, fairytale wedding plans... until the back butt.

My gown is strapless with a lower back, and very fitted through the torso, to keep the full skirt up. So, its tight, very tight. Looked great in the front, pushing bad bits down, and good "bits" up... awesome! A look in the hand mirror at the back of the gown revealed a major flaw. Apparently, I have grown a bit "chunky" over my back and shoulders, and the tight bodice of the gown actually pushed my back fat together. Some call it "shoulder cleavage", but I think it looks more like an ass crack, but on my back. GROSS! I can't walk down the isle, when it looks like I am mooning people, with my back, it's just poor form. Especially in a church.

So, I signed up for a personal trainer. Onmilwaukee.com had an ad for Fitness Together, which promoted "one on one" training. I have always been a bit self conscious in gyms, with people all around you looking like they were either ready to run a marathon, or throw you through a wall. I figured that training might be the right way to go, versus paying for a gym membership that I would rarely use. I called up, and before I knew it, I had a schedule of workouts planned through the end of the month. I figured it would be a piece of cake.

I was so wrong.

I just had my first full workout today, and it hurt, and it sucked. The trainer reassured me that I was doing well for a first time, but that if it made me feel better, I was free to yell at her and call her "every name in the book", just as long as I finished the exercises. My trainer was awesome, really helped me understand and get through the exercises. I was more pooped after fifteen minutes that I was after an hour at the gym just aimlessly going from machine to machine. My legs were actually shaking at one point, and I realized, holy cats this body of mine needs work. Even though the experience kicked my butt, I'm looking forward to the next one. I'm really excited to get stronger, build some muscle, and get rid of this back butt!

So my friends, I will be bloging about my ongoing workout sessions with my trainer at Fitness Together in Milwaukee's third ward. I'll be giving accounts of how I'm feeling (aka pain level, energy), how I'm looking, and occasionally, bits of info on how the wedding planning is coming (I'm beginning to think at 350 guests, its more like a conference.)

I will get in shape, I will loose my back butt, and by God, I will look smokin in my bikini for my Honeymoon!

So... here's my stats.

Height: 5'3, Weight: 130 lbs (give or take) Duration of workout: 45min

Result: Three Advil's and sore legs

I'll post every week until the end of my program. Wish me luck!

It's a Small City, You Sneaky Shoplifter

kristin — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:23:24 GMT

You seemed pretty nice when you walked into the store. Cute haircut, nice work casual outfit, a warm smile when I greeted you. I let you know about the new merchandise that we got in the day before, and about the sale items that we had just put onto the discount rack. I let you get to your shopping as I finished checking in some inventory.

And that's when you approaced the counter, saying you hadn't quite found what you were looking for that day.... and I said to you "You have a hanger sticking out of your purse."

Sure enough, it was one of our black women's hangers, just poking out of your brown leather hobo bag. I looked you in the eye, I'm sure an interesting expression on my face, hopefully one that expressed "you are SO busted." You nervously said, "Oh, I always carry a hanger with me... because I am always on the road, and I like to hang things up."

Then I decided it was time to mess with you. "Well, what were you looking for? Did you have something that you were trying to coordinate with? Do you have it with you, MAYBE SHOVED INTO YOUR PURSE?" I brought you to the back of the store to show you some shirts, waiting for you to ditch the printed dress that you had shoved into your bag, which you did, right in the middle of another rack. You were right there as I found it... carelessly shoved into some t-shirts. I made sure that you left the store, and then I called the police.

Just so that you know, you rude shoplifter, this is a very small city, and I have your picture (thank you to our digital ADT security system), and I have forwarded it to many other retailers on Brady Street. We have also forwarded this picture, along with a description, to the Milwaukee Police department.

But, what I think that you should be nervous about, is that Milwaukee is a city condusive to running into people in the most random of places. I am sure that we will meet again, and when we do, I will call you out on your crime. I don't care if you are with your folks, with your preist, or with your future "husband to be". You are a crook, no matter how decieving your cute little manner may be. Shame on you.

The Devil Consumer

kristin — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 14:18:06 GMT

Customer... "Is this purse going to go down in price anymore?"

Me: "No. Its' already 70% off. It's the final markdown"

Cusotmer: "Are you sure?"

Me: "Yes I'm very sure. We don't mark down any further than 70 percent."

Customer: "If it doesn't sell though, will you mark it down further?"

Me: "No. We are going to keep it at 70% off, and we'll just be patient for the item to sell."

Her: "Well, could I put the item on layaway?"

Me: "I'm sorry mam. It's a store policy not to put items on layaway."

Her: "Well I've put items on layaway here before last winter. The owner knows I'm good for it."

Me: "Well mam, we didn't sell women's items up until August, so I don't see how its possible. We have never allowed items to be put on Layaway. The owner would never consent."

Her: "Could you give me an additional discount if I buy the purse right now?"

Me: "No. The item is already marked down 70%. No additional discounts."

Her: "But it is still expensive and I really want this purse! If I buy these gloves can you please discount the purse and the gloves?"

Me: "Mam, the gloves are also 70% off. I can't provide any additional discounts on the sale items."

Her: "You are being very difficult."

Me: "Sorry mam. I'm just doing my job. I apply new sales to items already on sale. The store owner would disapprove."

Her: "I guess you just don't care about your customers than. Can I put the purse on hold?"

Me: "Yes. We can hold the purse for 24 hours.

Her: "Can you hold it three days for me."

Me: "Sorry. A maximum 24 hour hold.'

Her: "But I can't get here till the weekend, and I really like this purse."

Me: "Well, there are other people interested in the item too. If you want to ensure that you will get the item you can buy it now."

Her: "You are not providing good customer service you know"

Me: "I'm sorry you feel that way mam, but I need to abide by the rules of the store, and I can't change them for you."

Her: "I'll call later on tonight to see if you sold the purse."

She ended up buying the purse three days later, with 22 phone calls to see if the purse was still there, over nine requests to decrease the price, and several attemts to get a free gift with her purchase. She's already begun trying to talk the price down on a pair of $14 earmuffs.

I Know Your Louis Vuitton Bag is Fake

kristin — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 16:04:29 GMT

I know people are thrilled to be attending these purse parties. Hey, it seems like a good idea right? All those pretty designer names all lined up; PRADA, LOUIS VUITTON, GUCCI, CHANEL, HERMES etc. Its kind of like a grown up candy isle isn't it? Pretty colors and shapes, those beconing little tabs proudly displaying the designer name?

Hate to break it to you ladies, but I can spot a fake bag in ten seconds flat, and I know yours is fake. I used to think that I was just blessed with this amazing talent for discovery, but then I realized, that anyone with good shopping sense, and who has watched at least one episode of Law and Order, can spot a fake. Though I hate to reveal my secret, here are my tips on how to spot a fake designer handbag.

1. Bag Shape- Take a moment to look at designer websites to see what the "In vogue" bags look like. So many times, I'll see someone sporting a pleather "Gucci" bag that is the style of a Louis Vuitton, and so on. Its the first give away. Especially with little backpacks.. .yuck.

2. Zipper and Zipper Pull- A huge giveaway. Designer bags do not have those standard issue "silver rectangle" zipper pulls. With Dior and Chanel, the pulls are custom. No designer actually uses those zippers, so if you don't want me to know you have a fake bag there, take that pull off and replace it. Also, if I can see the nylon from the zipper, your bag is fake. fake fake FAKE!

3. Stitching- Especially noteable in fake Hermes bags, since they are handstitched. Stitching in fake bags typically uses larger stitches, and less quality thread that tends to pill easily. Chanel quilted bags... see how easy this is getting. You best believe that if they are going to charge three grand for a bag, those stitches are perfect.

4. Those little metal "feet"- Only used in one style of Louis Vuitton years ago, they are a dead giveaway. Especially fake Kate Spade bags.

5. Lining- Fake bags use some of the worst linings around; usually low quality acetate with stripes of some kind of pattern. Designer bags would never ever use that. Fendi bags typically use a microfiber, and Gucci and Chanel never use less than poly blend.

6. The Logo- I have even seen fake bags where "Gucci" was spelled wrong. For the record, they rarely use that metal square logo anymore. With Louis Vuitton, they LV on the bags are never cut, so the borders and edges will never intersect one. If there is a logo placed strangely on a strangly shaped bag, guess what, I know you're sportin a fake. Busted.

7. THE NUMBER ONE GIVEAWAY THAT YOUR BAG IS FAKE- If you're driving a normal Honda, like me, and you are wearing Gap jeans (I do that too), and a College Sweatshirt (My favorite)... The chances that you are going to be pairing that ensamble with a four thousand dollar designer bag is rare. My saying is "When I see a gal wearing Old Navy and sporting a Gucci bag, I can only assume that one of the two is fake, and I've never seen fake Old Navy."

Now, you can all have a fun time spending time with eachother, playing "Spot the Fake" at your favorite drinkin hole. Many fakes can also be spotted at Mayfair, Milwaukee Street, and of course, Water Street. May I just say that designer labels are fine, but rather that being caught red handed with a knockoff bag, pick out something more individual and creative. There are great pieces at lots of local retailers (AALA REED!) that have beautiful one of a kind bags that will get lots of attention, and not the bad kind -- not like getting busted with a bag that says "PRADDA"

Low Rise Jeans ... Please Reconsider

kristin — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:45:18 GMT

I don't know about you all, but I hate going shopping for jeans. It's a painful glimpse at the reality of "post holiday weight", the odds that the most expensive pair will be the pair that "works", and my own personal theory that there are only five people in Milwaukee who can really wear a skinny jean "the right way." In any case, shopping for that hot and trendy new pair of denim can be a trying experience. We have our options for vendors of course; Gap, Banana, Macys... and for the really stylin jeans, Detour and AALA REED. But, its amazing how things like pocket placement, waist placement, and a half inch difference in the inseam (see my blog on "taco butt") can make or break a denim fitting. And then, of course, there is always that girl in the next dressing room, size zero minus 1, who looks like a Ford Model in every pair she tries on (Wait... didn't I just try the same pair on... I HATE HER!!!!.)

But, ladies... please take these following words with a grain of salt. You need to pick denim styles that suit your body shape. Sometimes, this will include getting your jeans hemmed, or altering the waistband. Usually, these alterations are inexpensive, and you friendly neighborhood alterations specialist (drycleaners do a good job) can customize your denim to fit to perfection. But, you need to start with the right pair. Which brings me to super lowrise jeans. Ladies, there are very few who can wear these jeans. The fact that the fly is only two inches long is wrong to begin with, but if you're old enough to have some nice curves, the risk of developing "muffin top" (aka... fat that flows over the waistband) is very high. Also, please buy your pants with a rise high enough to keep me from seeing your butt crack when you bend over... pretty please. This land should be a "crack free zone"... and that includes keeping that VS g-string out of my sight too.

Why my outcry? I was out to dinner last night with my guy, and there was a girl at the table next to us. When removing her coat, she dropped her keys. In bending over to pick them up, I got a face full of butt crack. I kid you not, about seven inches from my dinner plate. Now, I didn't order butt crack, and I sure as hell didn't want it showing up right next to my dinner. The culprit, super low rise jeans.

Ladies, you know how to prevent taco butt now (last blog, last blog), but now, Take a good honest look at those super low rise denims that you still have. Only you can prevent taco butt, and only you can keep "crack" out of our malls, bars, clubs, churches, grocery stores... and of course, your local mall-gourmet chain resturants.

Beware of Taco Butt

kristin — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 22:28:07 GMT

Those of you who have spoken with me about the importance of eliminating taco butt know how important this cause is to my designer's eye and heart. Especially in this season of giving, and more importantly shopping, we can all do our part to eliminate taco butt from our local malls, bowling alleys, Culvers, and Pick N Saves.

So, Taco butt... what is it. If you are wearing jeans with an inseam (the seam that joins the left and the right side) that is too tight, it manages to work its way between your butt cheeks. Your behind begins to look like a taco shell, so it becomes "taco butt". So, to all of us standing behind you, your behind now has division and seperation. Good for up top (ladies, you know what I mean), but very bad for down below.

Jeans are the most common culprit. The spandex core threads woven into the denim allow for greater flexibility and comfort, but they hold the garment closer to your skin, so deception about the 'true fit' can happen. Ladies... a hint. When you try on jeans, put your foot up on the seat in the dressing room to stretch the denim out a bit, and make use of the three way mirror. And, if need be, ask your salesperson for help. I assure you, any denim merchant who really knows jeans knows what taco butt it. Also, its one more reason to go shopping with your best friend. I know I would never let my girl Jen walk around with taco butt.

But, all things considered, I think taco butt in men is even worse. It's very rare to see taco butt in mens jeans, but khakis and dress pants, oh lord. A man with taco butt that is so extreme, you can see the lines of his tighty whities, is painful on the eyes. Guys, please please please don't put us through that. Khakies and dress pants should have a good, close fit, but if they are so tight that they are moving their way up your crack, go one (or maybe two) size up.

So, I expect you all to take the time to check out your own behind in the mirror, and maybe, just maybe, we can eliminate taco butt in our lifetime. Stay tuned to my blog! Next time I'm talking about the worst in fashion fit faux pas... muffin top!