Beauty Fav's

We all have that "favorite" make-up color (or, lucky for us, a make-up stylist that has figured it out for us and continues to mix it up and redesign our style) or hair product that we just "can't live without". Or, we have no clue in the world what we should be using as we near "that day" or "that event". As we mentioned from the start, we both love all things hospitable and what could be more lovely and respectful than looking your best to greet your guests. That simple form of hospitality, too, requires a little for thought.

As such, Trish and I have put together our current fav's. We hope this offers you a little start to week inspiration. Yes, we do believe feeling your best runs hand in hand with looking your best. It is what it is and we fully subscribe to the "wake up, dress up and show up" method of life. That is not to say that we always practice what we preach in perfect form. Simply, we buy it hook line and sinker!

Below are a few of this month's "must haves" for each of us in striving to look our personal best. Let's re-iterate, we're talking looking your personal best. We are all firm believers that there is no, one "most beautiful woman" or "best dressed". Style is what you want it to be! Here's where we want to be at this moment.

Niki:
Have we met? I'm a giant fan of Fonda Lee as a make-up stylist, but also feel like her line of products are a direct drop from heaven. She had me at "fan brush". Yes, you read that right. It turns out that the brush matters and who new a simple makeup brush could make someone feel like a new woman? Fonda always has it figured out!

Here are a few of my current favorites:

Shadow (yes, the color matters depending on your own color): Subtle contour in transition applied with none other than a fan brush. A "pop shade" as Fonda Lee would say would be the Pom Pom color applied with her amazing pencil brush.

Liner: Black smoke using the retractable liner brush.

I'm also in love with "Unstoppable" lip color. This is a color that I first saw the lovely Fonda Lee use on the beautiful, Tracie pictured above!

Trish: Pictured above and listed below are a few products that I use daily.

1. La Mer Cream for the face.
2. Vitamin C Cream from The Body Shop (again for the face)
3. Brightenex 04 under the Zo Medical line by Obagi.

Wishing you a beautiful day!

Niki & Trisha

Phase III Update

 

If you've followed the Warren Todd Duo blog, you've probably read about Phase III. The makers of this amazing Recovery Drink are one of our clients and we are charged to be working with them and spreading the word as well as rolling out the latest with this brand.

In doing so, we thought we'd not only remind everyone about the Phase III 5k taking place in Delray Beach, FL (constantly rated at the top of the "lists" as "one of the best destinations nationwide") on January 18th. We mentioned before that the event will be to benefit a charity and we will touch on that later, but are excited to showcase the product while getting local businesses and various brands involved to support the cause and participants. As an aside, after questions raised, you can always contact us if you are interested in becoming involved from a corporate perspective at 561-632-6768. We'll be opening this up for registration before you know it and you'll be the first to know!

There are, however, a few articles that can be found on the Phase III Facebook page (of course, we recommend you follow that page for updates if you are active and/or like to stay up on the latest in the fitness world) have really peeked our attention. We've shared a few links below and again, recommend that you check out the Phase III Facebook page here to learn more about the thoughts on where Phase III fits into the mix! Rebuild, Rehydrate, Replenish! That's what your muscles get with Phase III.

http://www.abc.net.au/health/talkinghealth/factbuster/stories/2014/09/18/4090397.htm

You can read about the Phase III relationship above the post on the Phase III page.

http://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/11446322.Fitness_Tip_of_the_Week_with_Dave_Marsh/

The above article really shows how the systems in the body are all intertwined. Phase III was created under this principle.

http://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/11446322.Fitness_Tip_of_the_Week_with_Dave_Marsh/

In regards to the above article, Phase III works with any trend. If you are working a muscle, grab a Phase III post workout!

TGIF and if you are grabbing a last minute workout in, make it count - drink a Phase III!

Trish & Niki

A Superior Tip

While visiting one of our favorite spots to enjoy all things event fabulous, we learned a little something that hopefully keeps someone's Thursday bright and light.

Not only are we currently in love with the Bombay fabric in the ivory color offered by Superior Party Rentals in Jupiter, Fl. to be used for a current wedding, but while sitting with them talking weddings, we learned a little something that made us smile. As mentioned on an earlier post, simply, we enjoy style; we love style of all measures. Not only was it wonderful to look at swatches and dream of a variety of wedding décor options, but there was a little brand education to be had.

We looked down and it appeared that the iPhones sitting on the table (well, the iPhone cases) looked identical. We soon learned that the sweet blonde that you'll find if you make your way to that location was carrying a far jazzier phone cover. Hers, pictured at the bottom of this post was made by none other than one of the Burch's. Now that Tory and her husband have parted ways, they both design separate lines of clothing, and wardrobe or home accessories.

Although, we'll always be fans of Tory and her classically stunning designs (and wear all things Tory Burch with pride), we were pleasantly surprised to see this phone with flavor and importantly, the price tags behind the brand. And so, although simple is many times the way to go, this iPhone case was nothing short of fun. How appropriate for this company! By the way, the catch all trays below are roughly $20.00. Did we mention the price tags are appealing?

The brand is C Wonder and you can click here to learn more. Perhaps we've been living under a rock and totally missed the "C" train, but you can be sure it was for good reason over here! The good news is, we're now in the know and you are too.

Sometimes, you've just got to keep it light (and post even lighter). Thank you to our friends at Superior Party Rentals for the tip!

Wishing you a day filled with new discoveries!

Trisha & Niki

An Organization With an Important Message So Often Ignored

We are proud to have partnered up to raise awareness for The National Kidney Foundation of Florida in Palm Beach County.

The National Kidney Foundation of Florida has a distinct focus on awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease. We've learned such a great deal about this disease as a result of our relationship with such an amazing organization.

Kidney disease, depending on who you speak with, could be seen as perhaps "unfashionable". There is the presumption that if you don't fit into a certain ethnic category, you aren't at risk. Wrong! Do you suffer from hypertension? Have you been on medication? Do you have diabetes? You or a loved one could be headed the direction towards sometime facing this condition. There are two tests to check for kidney disease. The first being urinalysis and the second GFR (glomerular filtration rate).

Again, we've learned so very much throughout our involvement, but there are a few things that have been on heavy on our minds and hearts over the last few days. Here are a few pieces of information that have struck us (by no means is this anywhere near where it ends). There are many times heart attacks are related to undiagnosed kidney disease. They can be interrelated (one causing the other and visa versa). The truth is that none of us want to be the one who waited too long to find out if the heart attack was caused by undetected kidney disease or avoidance of dealing with kidney red flags. Detection, prevention and treatment is crucial. Here is a staggering statistic. More than two hundred twenty four thousand people are currently living with kidney failure caused by diabetes, thus making it the leading cause of kidney disease. The runner up is high blood pressure.

We wondered, can kidney disease be reversed? Can we go to the local nephrologist after waiting for a while and hope they will give us medicine to heal our kidneys should we become the one in three adults currently at risk for developing kidney disease. No, you cannot reverse kidney disease and it's affect on the body. You can, however, try to slow the affects. The risk we all share in developing kidney disease over the course of a lifetime increases to one in two people. Additionally, one in nine American adults have kidney disease and most of them are unaware of their condition.

We've come to learn so much and realize the severity of kidney disease. Moreover, we've truly begun to understand what a small amount of knowledge the general public truly have in understanding its touch on such a large number of people. It could be us, it could be you, it could be your family or neighbor. We're looking at the numbers and thinking that someone in that list will surely be affected. It seems like reason enough for us to learn more and help the cause.

Click here to learn more. Knowledge is everything!

Wishing you a well weekend!

Niki & Trisha

 

Delish Healthy Eating Finds Via the World of Instagram

Hi readers,

We will be introducing Vanessa's next post in the near future which will include video, great eating tips and a fitness tips, but want to ensure that the video in that post is crystal clear. We are experiencing "technical difficulties".

In the meantime, we'd like to share with you a few sources that we've come across. These Instagram finds (we'll show you where else you can find them below) have shown over and over again to us that they know their food, are unique in their approach and their food recipes and images are worth checking out. Unlike the post to come by Vanessa, we won't be providing recipes for the most part, but simply wanted to share a few people in the world of food and health that we believe are worth checking out!

Below is a recipe created by writer and health extraordinaire (specifically when it comes to the anti-inflammatory diet and low impact exercise as a woman who manages MS with lifestyle alone), Ivy Larson. The girls at Warren Todd consider her a friend!

Her recipes, tricks and a link to her books can be found at www.cleancuisineandmore.com. Additionally, she can be followed on Instagram under Clean_Cuisine and surely, you can follow each of these links to throughout her world of social networking!

Also, each of her recipe's below can be found on her Instagram page.

Below is a healthy custard with wild blueberries.

Then we have what she refers to as a Super Healthy Chocolate Cheesecake.

Below are her "Mom's super easy, healthy baked beans"

The next photos are courtesy of Caterina Radaelli. She refers to herself as the healthy Italian food-enthusiast. She can be followed on Instagram under Yummyinmilan and on facebook at www.facebook.com/yummyinmilan.

Next, up is a woman who we found on Instagram under the tag of Joannblondin. Her name is Jo-Ann Blondin according to her Instagram tag and her website is www.9cupchallenge.com. She describes herself as a plant-based Food & Nature Culinary Nutritionist, RHN

The recipe above is a "Stuffed Patty-Pan Zucchini"


Finally, Andres Ayesta, RD, LD. can be found on Instagram under Vivenutrition. There, he posts amazing photos of various smoothies and meals and underneath each photo, you'll find the recipe. Clearly, it is tough with our image to capture the full, visual affect, but you can hop onto Instagram to enjoy his daily posts, ideas, advice and recipes. We loved the Tropical Smoothie idea!

We have had such fun searching through the goodies and hope you will too!

Well Wishes on this Wednesday!

Niki & Trish

Vanessa Hewko: When this woman talks health and fitness, we listen!

When Vanessa Hewko walks in a room, you notice. She has a very unique ability to pull of 'lady' and 'sexy', simultaneously. Men, despite the references for women, this is not just a post for ladies and, along the way, this will continue to be a contributor we're sure you won't want to miss for many reasons. Ladies, we all know the concept mentioned above and pulling it off just is not easy. At times, it is the ultimate challenge for a woman. Married, dating, single, indecisive over what their situation is, we all want 'our sexy back' or better yet, to never lose it. Or, maybe you've just never been able or known how to get fit. Who yearns for inhibition? Who wants to feel like a frump?

God forbid you have to be ready for an event. You either have to fit into that tux that you rocked years ago or slip into a new gown, requiring far too much time looking at yourself  in a mirror that takes up far too much of the dressing room. Don't panic. According to Vanessa, it is as simple as routine and finding enjoyment in the process of getting fit. The remainder of this post is a little about her history. Tomorrow's post will cover the first contribution of her thoughts, tips and tricks.

Vanessa Hewko would tell you first and foremost that she married the love of her life and partner, Eric. She'd tell you that she is a mother of four, wonderful and determined grown children, each uniquely talented. Marriage and family come first to her. She's also shared in the past jokingly (yet with truth) that if Momma ain't happy, ain't no-one happy. If you are a mom, you get it; 'nuff said. If you aren't, remember that when and if your day comes. If you are 'the man' in anyone's life or simply living single, hopefully you want to be and stay fit. Any way you cut it, Vanessa figured out at a young age that to be the best wife and mother, she had to be the best her and she achieved those goals.

She was a professional dancer for a decade and could be found performing on cruise ships, dinner theaters and more. She graduated from The Royal Academy of London where she obtained her teaching certification. She then opened a dance studio in South Florida and owned and operated it for five years at which time she made the decision to devote her time to what would become her family of six (she was the sixth). Vanessa gave birth to four children within a five year period and we recommend you do the math on that!


While raising four children, she was dedicated to stay in shape and be at her best (both for herself and, as a result, her family). She mastered the art of lifting, fitness training, body transformation and ultimately, a method in which to achieve and maintain it in an efficient manner. Furthermore, she studied intensively on her own and found herself whole heartedly believing in "clean eating", which she'll share in later posts. In fact, with all of the knowledge she has in the physical component of fitness, she's the first to say that it all begins with diet. This woman makes eating healthy taste incredibly good. We've put her to the test and she not only knows what to do, she knows how to keep it fun. She doesn't just talk a good game, she lives clean and doesn't suffer in doing so. In fact, she teaches others how to enjoy clean eating. To that end, we'll mention after countless years of volunteering (unmentioned when we spoke with her), she currently works with the girls at Hannah's Home where she teaches these unwed mothers to live clean, be at their best and grow from there. In addition, she operates her business which involves her coming to your home (this applies to men and women) to help you get on the right physical path (which of course, makes you feel better mentally) while enjoying both the process and the outcome!


We are really excited to continue to glean advice from Vanessa as another fabulous contributor. You can follow her on Facebook under Vanessa Hewko Personal Trainer. There, she motivates us with tips, recipes, workouts, quotes and more. As we've seen mentioned on her page in the past, the only person in your way, at the end of the day, is you!

Many thanks to Vanessa for contributing to the Warren Todd blog and we look forward to her sharing her tips, tricks and philosophy to getting and staying fit and ultimately, feeling your best!

Here's to a new week and a fresh start!

Niki & Trish

Sometimes We Step Back and Look Up



As the weekend draws to an end, and we get ready to gear up for the next week, we thought we'd share a little inspiration and a reminder to focus on the good. For a few weeks there was a great deal of attention raised about a man that devoted an enormous amount of time to visiting children in hospitals. These children were fighting for their lives and Robin Williams, this warm hearted man, was there to give them the laugh that so many of us need when we experience tough times. This man travelled over seas, where it wasn't "fashionable" in an "under the Hollywood radar" manner to avoid notoriety and simply entertain and support the men and women of our armed forces. In a very less than glamorous environment; one in which men and women stationed would have given anything to hug their children or spouses or families while hoping they'd live to do so. What did Robin do? He brought laughter. He gave them the opportunity to escape the tough realities and enjoy the moment to the best that moment had to offer. Robin Williams used his talent to give. Despite his troubles, difficulties and personal challenges, the giving of his talents provided great strength to the weak moments of others and that gift was and remains irreplaceable. His continued giving despite his own struggles is worthy of immense admiration. Perhaps that's how a man like this should be remembered.

 

To that end, here are a few inspiring quotes that we came across. We ask that for a moment, you forget the battles that he faced, how he dealt with them and whether or not you have feelings positive or negative about how his life was brought to a close. We simply choose, and hope the same of you, to think about what this well traveled man, with amazing intentions and perspectives of people in a variety of conditions, was brought to ponder throughout his days. Here are a few Robin Williams gems that hopefully, add a little something to the start of your week!

 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/224124518931282439/

As we get ready to begin our week, we're taking a step back to appreciate the works of others, take a look at the big picture and remember in the words of Robin Williams by way of his mentor, "...that the world is open for play, that everything and everybody is mockable in a wonderful way." How refreshing!

Sincerely,

Niki & Trish