HAUTE by DaniCee

Freelance Writer. Virtuoso of Health, Nutrition, Fitness, Weight Loss, Fashion & Beauty. Discover HAUTE at danicee.com.

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WEIGHTED PULL UPS 225 LBS !! HELL!    

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Dude. That’s insane. Do people not realize how hard this would be..?

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!!!!!!!

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Don't sweat the Conch Fritters!

Only in South Florida.

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March and April are the perfect months to be in South Florida! My husband and I hopped in the car and took the quick 2-hour drive down Alligator Alley from Boca Raton to Marco Island to indulge in the "Old Florida" vibe of the "Left Coast."

Smiles, Sunburns and Sunsets are guaranteed!

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Dude ... I'm doing like 5,000 pull-ups before Spring Break.

For a wider selection of workout tips - visit danicee.com.

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My Fave Running Shoes: Puma Mobium Elite

The Puma Mobium Elite are awesome! They are so awesome that I own three pairs.

I have been a staunchly loyal Nike wearer for decades. That is, until I was asked to review a new line of sneakers from Puma. I agreed, thinking it would be like some of the other products I have had the opportunity to try – worth a discussion and a rating, but nothing I would personally latch on to.

But no, I was sold after my first run in the Puma Mobium Elite sneakers! You see, I never could appreciate that barefoot, minimalist running fad. My feet can’t take the beating. But, my clunky Nikes, though I love the colors and design, left my feet in pain because they were correcting for over-or-under pronation or some other “disorder” of running that I don’t have.  I bought them because I like Nike and I like the style and colors.

The Puma Mobium Elite, however, are both stylish and lightweight. There is no unnecessary correction of my foot movement. My feet feel as light as a feather and my running times improved from the first run.

So, in the midst of training for my first half marathon, I decided I need a new pair. I put more than 500 miles on the first pair, running on them until the seams came apart on the sides. I’ve put about 250 miles on the second pair and I imagine that I’ll need to start breaking in another new pair a few weeks before the race.

UPDATE: Since I've talked extensively about the features of this shoe when I first reviewed the Puma Mobium Elite, I wanted to follow-up and let you know that these are still my favorite running shoes. And, ladies, the coolest thing is that this summer they revamped the women’s shoe to better accommodate a woman’s foot and in a wider variety of colors, so you can still be a fitness fashionista while you run.

If you need a lightweight shoe that truly adapts to you, choose the Puma Mobium Elite. These shoes truly deliver a better run. You can purchase the Puma Mobium Elite at local sporting goods stores or at online retailers.

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Don't invest in a virtual currency.

Invest in your health and well-being.

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Be yourself ... Everyone else is already taken.

Oscar Wilde

BE HAUTE

[worldscup]

Keep up the FIFA World Cup excitement all the way to Brazil! 

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USA will surprise Group G!

Never forget 2010 vs. Algeria!

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T time with Audrey xxx

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My favorite fashion icon of all time has been reduced to a tea bag!

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Run! Run! Run!

HAUTE Running

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Add FARTLEK Training to Your Next Run.

Fartlek Training

Fartlek is the Swedish term for “speed play.” This form of training gives runners the opportunity to train for speed in an unstructured format, making it easy to perform anywhere.

During fartlek training, runners vary their pace by picking up speed at random intervals and then slowing back down. This can continue for the duration of the run and the amount of time or distance and intensity of each speed interval may vary. Your intervals should be based on how your body feels – pushing yourself to your limits and then resting at a steady pace until breathing returns to normal.

The best thing about a fartlek is the lack of structure. You don’t need to be on a track on running a known distance to appropriately execute a fartlek training session. You can use landmarks such “that tree” or “the light post” as designation for how far you will sprint until you rest or vice-versa. Fartlek training can even be performed on the treadmill – bumping up the speed at various points throughout your run.

Why is Fartlek Running Effective?

Fartlek training stresses your system, when completed properly, leading to an increase in your anaerobic threshold and improving speed.

All levels of runners can effectively use fartlek training as a means to improve speed.

Unstructured Fartlek Workout 

(from Competitor.com)

2-mile warmup, 20-40 minute workout, 2 mile cooldown

Your goal is to spontaneously change pace throughout the run. Here are three easy examples/suggestions:

1) Run hard for 2 minutes when you pass a stop sign. 2) Run hard from street light to street light. 3) If you are running with a slower running partner, run ahead for 1 minute, then back for 30 seconds.

The distance you cover on your pick-ups is not important, and between those faster efforts you should run at a conversational pace.

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Happy national pancake day!! No! Stop! Don’t go to IHOP or pull out your bag of refined flour. Grab 2 eggs and 1 ripe banana and your blender. Blend well for about 20-30 sec. Then spray your pan with coconut oil and pour the batter on. Once the top gets a little bubbly, flip and enjoy! It’s paleo and gluten free. The whole recipe is only 250 calories and I got that whole stack there. The pancake diameter is about the size of 3/4 of my palm. The secret is the blender and a ripe banana. No it does not taste like a banana omelet. It tastes amazing!! Give it a try right now. #nationalpancakeday

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Great recommendation for a healthy and yummy pancake! Cannot wait to give the recipe a try!

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Why I Run? The Story of My First Half-Marathon

The excitement, the exhilaration, the angst and fatigue . . .

That about sums it up – my first half marathon experience. Now, don’t get me wrong, aside from being exhausted for a week after running 13.1 miles and eating everything in sight, I am ready to run 13.1 miles again!

For my birthday this year, my best friend surprised me with an early b-day gift, running our first half marathon together in her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. It was an awesome gift, as it is always something I had wanted to achieve. Together, we ran the 13th Annual Mercedes Half Marathon on February 16, 2014.

As a current resident of Florida (going on 4 years in the warmth and sunshine), I was not as fazed by the distance, but I was fearful of the winter weather in Alabama! My husband looked up pictures from races of year’s past, showing runners bundled up in scarves, hats, jackets and gloves. Florida withstood the Polar Vortex with flying colors (thank God!) – so I wasn't sure I could survive running in 19 degree weather. And, it didn't help that my dear BFF, Kat, was sending me pictures of snowfall in Birmingham, as the city experienced its worst winter in years.

I packed at least three possible outfits: not that cold, cold and really cold – and praying that “not that cold” would be the obvious choice come race day. I really had my priorities straight – I spent more time figuring out what to wear than I did on my training.

Kat and I trained via challenges on Nike+. Every month we would set a mileage goal and try to beat one another to achievement. The first month, November, was great – I was dedicated, excited and ready to work hard to break my personal record (PR) during this race.  Then came the holidays: Christmas, New Year’s and my birthday. Training was good before Christmas, but took a nosedive at the end of the month and into January. Before I knew it, February was here, it was two weeks before the race and I still hadn’t ran 13.1 miles. I went to barre classes, boot camps and spinning and I ran, but I never quite ran more than 10 miles. Really how much difference can 3.1 miles make?

The night before the race, I was excited. The weather report was cold, but with sunshine.  I was armed with my “not that cold” outfit (shown at left) and several layers for the before sunrise commute to find parking and take care of all the pre-race preparation. At 330am, I was up and at ‘em (and I am NOT a morning person) – looking forward to a new adventure in recreational sports and friendly competition.

And, that brings me to the race. I don’t think I was quite ready when the gun sounded – I really wanted one more bathroom break. Lucky for me that was my motivation to break through the globs of people and sprint to the first bank of port-a-potties at mile 2. This was also my opportunity to tighten my race belt and strip off my first layer of clothing, as the beams of sunlight broke through the morning mist. Unlike my previous race experiences, the sheer number of people at this race made my traditional pre-race routine of double checking my gear and using the bathroom a thousand times impossible. After mile 2 though, I was flying, my gear was snug, my music was properly cued, bladder empty (TMI?) and I was ready to rumble.

I suppose the great thing about 13.1 miles is the amount of time you have to think. I mean with a 5k, you can barely make it through the throngs of people and then the race is over. And, a 10k, well, to be honest I haven’t ran that many of those, but I usually spend the whole time wishing it was only a 5k. I didn’t feel that way about this race though – I spent a lot of time thinking about my pace and imagining myself on my running route in Florida. I was on point until about a mile from the finish line, I saw a blown-up canopy, you know, the kind that resembles a finish line? I break into a sprint and realize too late that it is not the finish line. I come to a dead stop, disheartened and wondering where the finish line is, how much further do I have to go? My hands were so numb I couldn’t change my music and the song was too slow, how could I make the last quarter-mile? Half mile? I wasn’t sure – I knew I was close, but I didn’t know how close.

I managed to get my feet moving again, but lifting my quads and pushing myself as hard and fast as I wanted to seemed impossible, until the clouds parted and there, in all its glory, was the finish line. The music no longer mattered, the runners trotting beside me faded into shadows and my legs began to obey my commands as I kept my eyes on the prize and broke out into a very tired sprint.

I finished in less than 2 hours, well, just barely – 1 hour, 59 minutes, but for my first time, I’m pleased with the results. Next time, I’ll work harder on improving my time – and actually run 13.1 miles before I race.

Would I recommend a half marathon? YES! It feels like one heck of an accomplishment and, much to my surprise, running for 2 hours was pretty awesome! But, always gather friends or family to run with or have around for support – it is always nice to have people to celebrate with when it is all over – I can’t imagine doing this without the support of my family and sharing the experience with my best friend!

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What'™s the Maximum Mileage on Running Shoes? - HAUTEbyDaniCee

Everyone knows that the average car lasts a little more than 100,000 miles before you have to start putting in some major money for repairs.  If you own a Honda or a Volvo, you might be able eek out 200,000 before putting the car out to pasture. What’s lesser known, even among the avid runner’s crowd, is how many miles you can put on your favorite pair of running shoes before they must be retired. Running on worn out shoes might not leave you stranded on the side of the highway, but it could force you into early retirement from running. Your running shoes protect your joints and muscles from the harsh impact of the pavement below.

Have you ever noticed that the tread on the bottom of your shoes can look perfectly intact, yet when you head out for a run, your feet ache and you can almost feel the concrete through your soles? That’s because there are more factors than just mileage that play into the wear and tear of your shoes, including your running terrain, your gait, your weight and the quality of the shoe.

According to Active.com, tiny air pockets made from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), collapse like a sponge with each step and bounce back on upswing of your gait. These tiny air pockets are the shock absorbers that protect your foot while running. In order to extend the life of these pockets, they need plenty of rest. It sounds silly, but a little extra time between runs gives the EVA time to decompress. Rotating between two pairs of running shoes is the equivalent to owning three pairs of running shoes that are never rotated. If you want to save on shoes, keep two pairs in rotation.

If you are running to lose weight, you may find that as the pounds come off, so does the stress on your sneakers.  Remember your shoes are bearing the brunt of the impact, so the more weight you have coming down on that force the harder those air pockets have to work to bounce back up. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight may give you a few extra miles on those running shoes and really put a fresh bounce your step.

Your gait or the strike of your shoes on the pavement also determines just how long your shoes will last. Dragging or scuffing your heels as you run will impact the life of your shoe. You can determine this by looking at the outer soles of your shoes. Is the rubber on the edges worn? The degree of wear and how quickly it accumulates will help you determine if you have a heavy heel strike during your run. Many running shoes are so lightweight, in keeping with the barefoot running trend, that very little outer rubber is available to protect poor running form. If you are struggling with dragging your heels, more durable shoes will help protect your feet and the life of your shoes, but if you still find you are dragging your heels once you become more comfortable as a runner, seek the advice of a running coach. Proper form while running can make all the difference in your experience for the long haul.

The terrain upon which you run can really cause your shoes to take a beating. The treadmill and the track have a lot more give that the cement. For individuals running on the pavement, a fresh, intact pair of quality sneakers is essential to the health of your feet and your joints.

So, how many miles does it take to wear out a pair of sneakers? If you are a lightweight runner, you can get about 500 miles out of your shoes. If you weigh 200 pounds or more, 200 to 300 miles is all you will get. Running on worn out sneakers can cost you in more ways than one – so keep your sneakers fresh.

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OSCARS SWAG BAG!

The 2014 Academy Award losers will not return home empty-handed. The actors and actresses that did not win an Oscar last night will feel a touch of consolation and happiness from their Swag Bag. This year's OSCARS' SWAG BAG contains 51 products and services totaling $87,021.37! Sheesh ... wouldn't we all like to be so lucky! The complete list is below:    

Complete Contents of the 2014 Oscars Swag Bag

$16,000 toward a hair transplant

$15,000 walking tour around Japan

$9,000 trip to Las Vegas

$6,850 two-day Rocky Mountaineer train excursion from Vancouver to Alberta in the Canadian Rockies

$6,100 will provide 10,000 meal donations from Ellen DeGeneres' Halo Spot's Stew pet food to a shelter of the nominee's choice

$5,000 toward laser hair removal and cosmetic surgery from Ideal Image

$5,000 certificate to purchase art and get it installed at home from Gizara

$4,895 water filtration system for your house from Krystal Klear Water

$3,300 resort stay at the Imanta's Ocean Casa suite in Mexico

$2,700 "O-Shot" procedure to help a woman's sex drive

$2,560 home spa system from Steamist

$2,000 5-night stay at the Koloa Landing Resort in Hawaii

$1,571.98 of supplies from Epic Pet Health which includes a year's supply of an electrolyte supplement made specifically for your pet

$850 for 10 personal training sessions with Huntley Drive Fitness

$750 in Max Martin luxury shoes.

$575 in tickets to all-kid pro Cirque troupe, Le Petit Cirque

$500 lifetime membership to a meditation gym from Headspace.com

$500 house call with celebrity acupuncturist and nutritionist Heather Lounsbury

$400 Jan Lewis bangle bracelet made from wood shapes

$300 in organic skin, body, and hair care products from Acure

$290 Swiss-made Slow Watch

$280 of organic maple syrup from Rouge Maple

$279 portable camera and app from Narrative Clip

$279 leather purse from Jitseu

$230 leather iPhone 5 case from Vetvik

$185 Shellfish knife set

$162 worth of Hookahzz E-Cigarettes and E-Liquids

$158 in winter accessories from CherryT Knit & Co

$120 Go Pro hair dryer from Coolway

$120 for pink and camo Mace pepper guns

$109.95 activity tracker from Polar Loop

$105 in organic makeup products by Diane Capt

$100 in beauty products from M3K Beauty

$95.35 in horse shampoo and conditioner made for human hair from Mane 'N Tail

$70 candles that double as perfume and warm massage oil from Objects with Purpose

$69.75 in homemade caramels and sweets from Betty Jane Candies

$60 in Cannonball Wines

$59 in dinnerware from Slimware

$50 toward hiring film maker Charles Van Loucks

$49.95 worth of tea made in Australia from Blossom Blends

$49.95 copy of the first graphic novel in the series "Loaded: The Story of a Ghost"

$39 in US grown "honey" made from organic apples from Bee Free Honee

$38.96 in Hydroxycut weight loss gummies, protein bars, and shakes

$35 six-pack of herbal tea-based lollipops from Dosha Pops

$30 bottle of AVIV 613 Vodka

$23 in reusable 3-in-1 dry-cleaning bags from Green Garmento

$15 worth of fabric wrap from European company Wrag Wrap

$15 organic pet shampoo from Simon's Happy Pet

$20 six-pack of Naked Luxury condoms

$24.99 Bluetooth camera shutter remote for Apple products from HISY

$6.49 DrainWig that prevents hair clogs in your shower drain

Total: $87,021.37

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@style-over-comfort

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Consumers should be able to pick up an item off the shelf, and be able to tell whether it's good for your family.

Michelle Obama