How do Lululemons compare to Target's C9 by Champion? The results are shocking!

Have you ever wondered if the Wunder Under Pant is worth the price tag? I did, so I looked into it and you won't believe what I found out. Here is how it all started....

I love/am obsessed with designer brands and I confess I've fallen prey to buying something just because of the brand or label and no other reason. My Dior pants with leather flowers are an awful reminder of that. What was I thinking? It was the 90's and to be honest I have many mishaps to lament and laugh at. So, in an effort to be a good role model to my daughters I've made a serious effort to purchase things that are made well, fit well and fall into the category of Love (borderline obsession) and need (this isn't always fun but we all need socks, right?). I was at Target one day and I saw a pair of leggings hanging that looked eerily similar to my Lululemon's. I bought them thinking if I'd return them if I didn't like them. Well, I got them home, put them on.... and I was shocked!





Lululemon Wunder Under Pant

- Material: 82 % Nylon, 18 % Lycra- Spandex

-Price: $82-92.00

-One seam with clean front.

-Hemmed for free

-cute bag

-Small key pocket (ugh, please make them bigger, I want to put my phone in my pants!).

 http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/pants-yoga/Wunder-Under-Pant-Full-On-Luon?cc=17505&skuId=3599936&catId=pants-yoga

Target's Champion C9

- Material: 86 % Nylon, 14 % Spandex

-Price $39.00

-Small key pocket in the front (again, way too small for anything really).

-Double seams are along the front as opposed to the single seam of the Wunder but they are placed there more as a "style" or "look". I actually liked the placement of the seams.

http://www.target.com/p/c9-champion-women-s-premium-ankle-legging/-/A-15357311#prodSlot=medium_1_14&term=champion

Comfort

The Lulu's were superior. They fit better all around. The C9 I felt was too long in the waist, but I liked the length of the leg. There was no need to hem them. The good news is you can get your Lulu's hemmed gratis, that is a major perk!

Cost

Now to address the price tag. I realize you could buy two C9s for the price of one and since the fabric is so similar I really don't feel like I'm getting a MAJORLY superior product with Lulu. I think if I were comparing Chanel to Coach that price difference could be justified more easily. All things considered  C9 really held their own. Plus, I feel a little more reckless in my C9s. When I have them on I'll haphazardly handle food in the kitchen and pay little attention to a splatter of olive oil if I'm making dinner. If I have on my Lulu's I want to protect them a bit more.

Sizing

The C9 comes in XS, S, M and so on and the Lulu's come by numbers and run small. I wear anywhere from a size two to six depending on fit so I bought the small and my Lulu are a four. Not sure if that helps you but don't buy the XS C9 if you wear anything larger than a two or they will be too tight.

The bad.

I have a complaint about each of them...PLEASE put a pocket that fits an iPhone. Obviously I can fit a credit card in the pocket but I rarely (if ever)  need a credit card when I'm out on a walk or in a studio. Does anyone? Isn't that what a purse/car/lockers are for? Yes, I know it is for my keys but I really want to stuff my phone into that tiny pocket when I doing things around my house. I'm a total creature of ease and practicality when it comes to some things...other things not so much...

Conclusion.

This was an easy call since I was comparing just the two brands. Lulu won...HOWEVER the C9 were a close second. They felt comfy on and they performed just as well as far as keeping moisture in check. My Lulu's do feel a bit softer, I assume that is because it has a bit more Lycra/Spandex. But my skin is highly sensitive to texture so if you are normal (unlike me) you may not notice.

Lastly, when it comes to my workout wear I'm all about function and fit. This is a highly individual thing so you may have a different experience but I hope this helps!

*Remember, with your workout wear, don't use fabric softener or put them in the dryer on high heat. I made this mistake once and they looked like they needed Botox after!

5 Fast And FABULOUS Appetizers For Your Next Soiree!

Are you having an impromptu soiree soon? Why not tonight? It's Friday....that's reason enough to celebrate! Entertaining should be fun for you and your guests and by keeping your menu simple but fabulous, it's truly not that difficult. Below are a  few things I personally love and you've gotta love nibbles this easy to whip-up!

1. Prosciutto wrapped Artisan Breadsticks.
Present them on a tray or in a glass. Simply wrap the prosciutto around bread sticks and that's it.

2. Brie with Marcona Almonds and Dried Figs.
The flavors of the creamy brie, salty almonds and subtle sweet figs are a ménage a trios you won't want to miss. You can leave the brie whole and sprinkle the almonds and dried figs or fig preserves on top or you can assemble little bite size portions.

3. Blue Cheese with Honey.
I serve this with a fresh baguette of French bread.

4. Cherry Tomato, Mozzarella Fresca and Basil drizzled with EVOO and Balsamic.
These are the perfect appetizer for the warm months ahead when basil and tomatoes are at the peak of freshness. They also remind me of the Gucci logo.... What's not to love!

5. Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, on a Baguette.
Garnish with parsley or chives.

 

Now pop open your favorite bottle of bubbly and party on!

 

"Tchin Tchin" it's Friday!

 

 

Sweet Chrity Has Never Been More Fabulous!

I just had to share these fabulous bags! Which one would you pick?
























http://us.christianlouboutin.com/us_en/

A FABULOUS Sunday Morning Cocktail.....

Sundays just beckon for Mimosas. I love them with OJ but with grapefruit they have that extra kick that pairs better with certain dishes like omelets....come to think of it, they really don't need to be paired with anything except a FABULOUS Sunday!

        Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons Triple Sec
• 1/2 cup fresh squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice
• 2 cups Champagne
• 1 slice ruby red grapefruit, cut into quarters

 

My two cents

 

Whole Foods or your local market may have fresh squeezed grapefruit juice.

 

I like to use Moët & Chandon Champagne but sparkling wine works too. Below is a link for Sparkling wine aka "Bargain Bubbles." I like Cupcake Vineyards Prosecco D.O.C.. It has a crisper, dryer flavor that I think works with the bittersweet grapefruit.

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/food-how-to/taste-test/the-best-sparkling-wines-cheap/

 

I also like to rim the glass with raw granulated sugar for added sweetness. Plus, I bet your Champaign flute would appreciate some accessories!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ruby-red-grapefruit-mimosas-recipe.html

Cheers and Subscribe! xox


 

5 Fabulous Ways To Get Fit And Stay Fit!

I march to the beat of my own drum and I rarely follow a schedule but...I do some of the same things everyday. I just let my moods dictate when and how I do these things, like eating and working out. After all, I have deadlines to meet, children to pick up and drop off, pooches and kitties to feed and a hubby. I'm busy, but I hate feeling like I have to do the same thing everyday like a robot, so I try to mix it up and make it fun all while staying on track. Here are 5 things I do daily that help me do just that.


1. Drink water with a pinch of lemon.

Lemon water is a natural diuretic and helps your system clean itself out. I try to drink water throughout the day but the habit wasn't easy to start. To get into the habit I set a timer on my phone to go off every half-hour, each time I heard the little bell, like Pavlov's pooches, I responded.

I know you've heard this tip more than you've heard Taylor Swift on the radio but we hear it over and over because it works. Water flushes the bad stuff out of your system, so keep a steady stream of water running through your body and the bad stuff won't build up in your system and make you feel sluggish.

I also like to add a sprig of fresh mint or other fresh herbs when they are in season.

Water also staves off hunger pains. Sometimes our brains tell us we're hungry when all we really need is hydration...a.k.a., water.

2. Shop, I mean walk.



Walking, no matter where you do it, burns calories. If you do it in heals and carry bags while you are at it, then just think how fast you are burning calories. I'm convinced the number has to be triple. It takes me ten minutes to break a sweat on the treadmill. When I'm in heels carrying new shoes and a latte I can actually feel my heart rate go up in seconds. I also never take the elevator. In true SF style I swiftly move past people idling on the escalator, on the left of course. I say excuse me and breeze past them all in the name of exercise.

This also applies to daily errands. When I don't get a coveted convenient parking space and I have to hoof it a few extra blocks I think of it as extra cardio.

If I'm not going shopping or running errands then I take off out the door and do a brisk walk if just for twenty minutes. Walking everyday is critical to keeping fit.

3. You need more than cardio.


Since the gym is no longer my favorite place (I have a love hate relationship with the gym, sometimes I love to do classes then sometimes I literally can't make myself go).  Since this tumultuous relationship can be draining I often give into my inner brat...but, I also still do something...anything.

In the shower I do calf raises while my conditioner does it's job, before bed I do five/ten minutes of Pilates/yoga. I've noticed a HUGE difference in my body since I started to do yoga and Pilates.  I feel longer, leaner and more agile. If I had to pick one form of exercise to do for the rest of my life it would be Pilates....hands down.

I still do conventional exercises in moderation. When I'm cooking or blow drying my hair I'll do a set of squats or lunges. I basically try to do some sort of resistance exercise whenever I think of it.

*I used to do hundreds of crunches at night after I had my first daughter, then I discover Pilates and I was able to accomplish better results in half the time.

4. Eat lots of fruits and veggies.

I try to eat as many  veggies everyday as possible. Lucky for me I like them and it doesn't feel like a sacrifice. The hard part is to have them ready when hunger strikes. I've found that when something is easy I do it, if it is hard I make excuses. I try to eliminate this by being prepared. I have carrots, prewashed greens and cold pressed veggie drinks always handy.

5. Get plenty of rest.

I've noticed when I'm sleep deprived I want to eat. If I'm well rested I crave less sugar too. I try to balance my love of watching Bravo and Scandal with my need for sleep. Sometimes sleep looses and when it does....I do too.

Staying fit and healthy is constant work but the more you integrate these good habits into your daily routine, the less it feels like work and pretty soon it wont be work, it will just be a way of life. Plus, there are enough things in life we have to do that are nowhere near fun, so why not keep the things we have to do fabulous!