Style and Focus Weekend: Exercising Outdoors

What to do this weekend? Why not Exercise Outdoors.

Why spend a beautiful summer day camped out on your couch or at the gym. Have fun working out al fresco, it's a great way to connect with nature and get in shape. Plus, exercising outdoors will have you feeling like a kid again. Just don't forget your sun screen. Some suggestions:

- Walking

- Running

- Swimming/surfing

- Yoga/pilates

- Hiking

- Baseball/soft ball

- Riding your bike

- Volley ball/basket ball

Style and Focus Weekend: Hiking/Trail walking

Hiking, is a great way to see what nature has to offer. It's also an excellent way to get in exercise while seeing the beautiful views of nature. Hiking is not a walk in the park and you must think of safety as well as having fun. A way to stay safe is to go with a group of friends and if you're not familiar with the area, I would suggest getting a guide to show you a safe way to travel. For Do's and Don't for Hiking Responsibly from Tread Lightly, click here.

Make sure you dress appropriately which means NO flip-flops. Don't forget to take your camera and a pair of binoculars for a safe way to get up close. Also, Don't forget to obey the area's rules and regulations, you want to go and appreciate nature not destroy it.

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Style and Focus Weekend: A Leisurely Day for One

A day just for you. No interruptions, No phone calls. It's good to spend a little time alone and feel independent, right. What to do? Whatever you want.

Gardening, shopping or just lounging around at home. It's about taking time out for you. Why not stroll into an old fashion malt shop and get a homemade ice-cold chocolate milkshake. Go into stores you've never been in or grab a smoothie or a coffee before hitting the bookstore. Visit the museum or go shoe shopping. Take your dog for a stroll through the park or go and get a mani-pedi or give yourself one at home. Go out to lunch and if the weather is great ask for a table outside. Just do whatever you want. The possibilities are endless.

Style and Focus Weekend: Spring Cleaning

Unless you're a clean freak the last thing you want to do is spend a weekend cleaning. But as much as you hate to admit it, your place is starting to look a little less than fabulous. As an adult it's your responsiblity to clean your place, no more Mom to the cleaning rescue (this goes for those who moved back in with your parents).

Not sure what to do. Before you get started create a chore list that will help keep you on track with your task be it big or small. This also gives you a chance to check your cleaning supplies to see if you have everything you need.

Next, pick a task and get started. The hardest part is getting started.

Still not psych for Spring Cleaning why not give yourself a reward for completing the task. The reward could be something like a day of rest or a night out at your favorite restaurant. There are so many benefits for having a clean home such as not being afraid if guest unexpectedly stop by, all the extra closet space, and the extra money you'll save because you won't have to re-purchase items that you've misplaced.

New to the cleaning thing, don't drive yourself crazy trying to do it all in one day. Just do a little bit a time.

Style and Focus Weekend: Girls Night In: Slumber Party

Recharge from all the holiday stress with a little Girls Night In. Instead of going out indulge your inner teen and host an old-fashion Slumber Party but with plenty of champagne or signature cocktails, beauty treatments, movies, comfort and junk food (i.e. chocolate cake) and tons of gossip. Don't worry about calories this is the time to sit back and relax before New Year's Eve and catch up with good friends.

Just make sure your place is cozy and comfortable with plenty of blankets and pillows.

Photo: Illustrator: David Hahn

Style and Focus Weekend: The Sports Date

Show your competitive spirit by planning a sports date. Even if you're not naturally athletic, you will have a great time. Especially, if you make a real sport out of it by creating a challenge or two with a bet. The best out of 2, 4 or however many challenges you set and winner buys dinner (don't forget to make the reservations). Don't take it too seriously the point is the have fun.

Pick a few sports for the challenge, such as: tennis, running, biking, racket ball, golf, hiking, basketball, horseback riding, pool, indoor wall climbing, kite flying, chess or checker, etc. You could also hit up the arcade and see who can be the best at a few games. Start the date early in afternoon to fit in all your challenges and it'll leave you enough time to get properly cleaned before heading out to dinner.

However, if you're too tired to make it out for dinner simply just order take-out and make it a romantic evening with candles, flowers, wine, champagne, dessert and your take-out (served on real dinnerware).

No matter who won you will both feel like winners.

Style and Focus Weekend: End of Summer Beauty Bootcamp

Now that summer is winding down this is a perfect time to take care of any beauty areas that may have taken a beating or you may have neglected. You want to look fresh and beautiful not tired and dull.

With all the late nights, summer parties and outdoor activities, it's all bound to take a toll on you. To recapture your baby soft skin and touchable tresses take the weekend to catch up on your Beauty Maintenance. This will give you time to tend to any neglected beauty areas such as your nails or hair.

Start by creating a glam plan with a grooming list (sample list below). Don't forget to add extra sleep to the list. Then gather up all your beauty products and tools. No beauty products on hand go to the store and stock up on what you need or to try a new product. To add the spa like feel place your products in a wicker basket with a rolled up towel.

Sample Grooming List

Which areas need the most attention?

Hair
- dye
- deep conditioner
- trim (professional)

Face/Body
- exfoliation
- moisturize
- skin care (acne, face mask, etc)
- unwanted hair

Nails
- manicure
- pedicure


Keep it simple and don't try to do everything in one day. Take the whole weekend to unwind, relax and pamper yourself. Some areas in your beauty maintenance may need to be handled by a professional so book ahead perhaps for during the week or next weekend for waxing, hair cuts and trims, etc.

Try turning the weekend into a spa retreat by fixing a pitcher of water with lemons and limes, a soft robe and slippers. Play relaxing music, light candles and no phone calls (that's what voice mail is for).

Style and Focus Weekend: Avoid a Food Rut

This weekend why not indulge your taste buds with new cuisines:

Staying In:

Why not try a new recipe? It doesn't have to be anything difficult or demanding just something to give your taste buds a new experience. There are thousands of recipes online as well as many different cook books you can find. Try seasonal fruits and vegetables. To keep it fun invite friends over and have each bring an ingredient from the different recipes. Keep the party going by setting the table with decor of the meals theme.


Going Out:

Instead of going to the same old restaurant and trying the same old thing why not go some place different. Dine out at an Indian, French, Mexican, Japanese, Greek or any of the restaurants you normally just pass bye. Maybe you've been dieing to try tandoori chicken, yellowtail sushi or luscious French pastries but you've been too afraid, take a risk, you're taste buds just might thank you. You never know it might become your new favorite meal or restaurant.

Style & Focus Weekend: Dine Alfresco

With the weather near perfect it would be a waste not to dine outdoors. Dining outdoors has been shown to be a mood-booster and heightens your senses.

Day:

Have a picnic. It can be traditional or non-traditional like a luxe picnic with champagne and creamy rich desserts. For the luxe picnic make sure to use real glasses, cutlery and plates it will make it seem more elegant.


Night:

Make reservations at a restaurant or cafe with a patio or deck (make sure to request outdoor sitting) so you can enjoy all the sight and sounds of the summer. Bonus: Arrange to meet friends for cocktails at a bar or nightclub with an outdoor deck to celebrate the last month of summer. More of a do-it-yourself kind of person, you can plan an outdooor dinner or cocktail party and make it casual or dressy.

8 Ways to Enjoy the Summer from Style and Focus PR

Summer is the perfect time to for fun and recharging your drained and stressed out batteries. This is the time to create that summer lifestyle.

Here a few tips from Style and Focus to get you started:

- Plan the first official summer party, make it a carefree, no-worry affair by planning it with friends. It could be a beach theme or school's out for summer party (regardless if you're past the school years). Have the quintessential beach balls, beach chairs, hamburgers, hot dogs and summer punch (plus a non-alcoholic one for the kids).

- Go for a morning jog on the beach with your dog. If no beach around head to the park.

- Plan a sophisticated picnic including champagne cocktails, fancy appetizers and desserts.

- Find an hour (at least) to veg out and relax. Take a book or a couple of magazines and head to the sofa or that comfy chair, or maybe the backyard, the park or your balcony. The main thing is to take that extra time to for you.

- Plan a hiking day with friends. Hitting the trails and seeing nature in a relaxing environment is definite mood booster. Don't forget the trail mix and water.

- Do yoga in the backyard or at the park. Don't want to go it alone, call your friends. Then make plans for smoothies afterward.

- If it's not too far, walk or bike to the local market. Not only will it save you gas but you'll get a good amount of exercise.

- Have an ice cream social and have guests bring either ice cream, cones/bowls or toppings for everyone to try. Have a station or table where guests can create sundaes, mix toppings, etc.

Whatever your summer plans are just make sure to have fun and enjoy the most relaxing time of the year.

Style and Focus Weekend: Baseball Weekend

"Take me out to the ball game, Take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack, I don't care if I never get back, Let me root, root, for the home team, If they don't win it's a shame. For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out, At the old ball game."


Going Out:

With the weather warming up this is a great time to experience the great outdoors with a baseball game. Go with family or friends to relax and have a great time cheering on your favorite team or just to look at the hot guys. With the food, fun and of course the field what more do you need.


Staying In:

Can't get tickets or your teams out of town. Then hit the sports bar. You can enjoy the game while sitting in a bar plus good food and maybe meet some new people. Who knows.

I am a baseball fan and I will be at the game this weekend. Enjoy your Weekend!

Style and Focus Weekend: Spring Cleaning

It's a great time to do a little Spring Cleaning before the weather becomes too nice to stay inside. Before you get started make sure you have the basic cleaning supplies:

- Broom and dustpan
- Mop and mop bucket
- Vacuum cleaner
- Multipurpose cleaner

Then pick a few small chores/project like clearing off shelves, organize a closet or drawer, getting rid of old or unused items, organize the garage, etc just don't over do it. A little bit at a time is best, so you don't get overwhelmed especially if you have a lot to do. It might take an hour, a day, a weekend or a couple weekends to get your place as clean and organized as you like it. For more tips, go online for thousands of cleaning and organizing tips some even categorized by room.

Style & Focus Weekend: Lunch and a Movie

Introducing a new weekly blog post, the Style & Focus Weekend, featuring tips, ideas or suggestions for enjoying the weekend.


Going Out:

Plan a fabulous girl's day out with Lunch and a Movie. It's a great way to catch up, have a good time, relax with friends and pamper yourself. Why not try something different and reserve a table at that new or ultra-exclusive restaurant you've been dying to get in. The good thing about lunch is you're more likely to get a table than for dinner. Plus, most restaurants offer lower prices and special menus for lunch. Following delicious meal, take in a afternoon movie - be it drama, comedy or whatever the latest movie is and enjoy.


Staying In:

Not in the mood to go out, plan a equally fabulous girl's day in with Lunch and a Movie. Invite a couple of friend over for lunch and a movie. Ask friends to bring over one of their favorite films. Lunch can be whatever you want to serve such as ordering take-out, preparing gourmet sandwiches and french fries or asking friends to bring over a simple dish for a quick potluck. While you're having lunch watch one of the films you chose or one of your guests. Then prepare to sit back and enjoy the movie.