Denice’s Personal Story: Well walking into Pilates today was a little easier than “Day 1.”  I was much more comfortable with what was going to happen.  I was still a little sore from the first session, but I know that this is only making me stronger. 

I have a long history of hating any form of exercise.  Believe it or not, I was actually once really active.  In high school I played volleyball and swam (I was on the diving team!).  It was not until I injured my knee for the second time that I became less active.  Through college I was busy being social (shock for those who know me) and living the college experience.  Then I got married and had a kid.

Fast forward to present day…an inactive business woman.  That’s me!  I sit at my desk for at least 8 hours a day!  I do some walking, but not nearly the amount of activity I should be doing. 

Enter…my mom.  She has been attending the Body Center for Physical Therapy and Pilates Training with Jeff Fairley for the past year.  I have watched her go from having a bad back that would go out pretty frequently to being stronger than I have ever seen her before.  Jeff has helped her tremendously.  SO I thought, why not let him help me?  If I don’t want to end up with back trouble, and I want to be healthy, now is as good a time as ever.

So, I am hitting Pilate’s full force, and I love it.  My second session seemed much more difficult than the first.  Stephanie, the instructor, claims that it gets “Harder for me the longer I do it.”  She says this because you become aware of the muscles you are trying to strengthen, and your focus comes away from trying to remember the movements to concentrating on isolating the specific muscle. 

I actually think I did better “Day 2.”  Jeff and Stephanie are both very encouraging.  I think the atmosphere  at the Body Center helps you feel ready to take on anything…especially Pilates!  Look out session 3…here I come!            

Elana’s Personal Story: During session 2, I could have sworn that Stephanie turned it up a notch; I mean I really felt it in my muscles. They were stretching to a new level than the first session. But, as Denice mentioned, Stephanie explained that the more you engage in Pilates – the harder it feels! It’s funny, because with many other exercises, it’s the exact opposite. When I used to run on the treadmill (which I need to get back to!), I was able to increase my time increments because it got easier each time I hit at the gym. Five minutes turned into a non-stop 10 minutes, and before I knew it, I barely broke a sweat in a 20-minute run.

But that’s a cardio workout.

As for Pilates at the Body Center, I enjoy it getting more difficult because it DOES feel like a hardcore hour of exercise – minus a drop of sweat! Ironically, I didn’t feel as sore the next few days. So maybe in that sense, my body is growing accustomed to the pulling, lifting, and stretching. I am also proud to mention that I was not Ms. Klutzy on the machines this time around. In order to properly shift movements and positions, it is important to do it delicately and slowly. That might have helped.

Pilates revolves hugely around the breathing exercises, such as when to inhale and when to exhale. This is not easy when you are instructed to concentrate on how your back and abs are positioned on the machine (“neutral” gives you the cat-like arch in your back, and then you switch to pressing your abs against the machine, and back…Pilates definitely involves thinking. You can’t just wing it!)

Tonight is “Day 3!” I got my L.A.M.B. “band bag” packed and ready to go to the Body Center in downtown Claremont. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention one of my favorite detail about Pilates: you don’t have to wear shoes! So instead of packing my sneakers, I happily threw in a pair of comfy, cotton socks.

Here we come!

xoxox, Denice and Elana

Photo Credits: Denice’s camera working its magic!

Denice’s Personal Story: So my palms are sweating and I am so nervous!  I am not the most coordinated person, nor am I in any sort of physical shape, but I am entering the world of Pilates.  My mom suggested I try it out; she does it twice a week.  I thought, “Sure, why not.  If she can do it, I can do it”.  Well, I thought Pilates was similar to yoga. 

BOY WAS I WRONG! My editor, Elana, and I signed up at the Body Center in Claremont California.  Jeff Fairley, owner and director of physical therapy, helped us get situated.  Jeff gave us the grand tour of the center and briefed us on the Pilates machine.  That’s right, I said MACHINE!!!  Who knew Pilates was on a machine!

After we became familiar with the machine, it was off to our semi-private session with Stephanie Stevens, our STOTT Certified Pilates instructor.  The class had two other women in it and it was held in a comfortable room.  Stephanie helped with our positioning and form on the machines.

The class was an hour long, and boy did I feel it!  It was not a cardio type of work out, but a muscle strengthening type of work out!  I was a bit uncoordinated and clumsy on the machine (and yes, I did see Elana stumble a bit too!), but Stephanie helped us out and encouraged us to keep going.

The next day I was sore, but it felt great.  I loved it and I am looking forward to “Day 2″ tonight! Check back to see my progress.

Elana’s Personal Story: ….So I’m finally down with  Pilates. Thank heavens that Denice invited me to try this amazing workout for weekly sessions. I’ve always had a sort of athletic-shaped body – flat stomach, strong legs, and a defined back.

 Yet, amidst my long hours of writing, proofing, e-mailing, and pitching story ideas to PR reps and fellow bloggers (and trying to fit lunch somewhere in between), I find myself eating a few too many dark chocolate Milky Way mini-bars and chocolate chip cookies, or skipping meals altogether! Yes, I know, totally unhealthy. So in trying out a new fitness course of action, I look forward to regaining my toned shape. I hope Pilates inspires me to hit the gym much more frequently than I am now – not at all!

Yes, Beauty Chat readers, the editor of a Blog who preaches the importance of maintaining a healthy body inside and out is not taking care of her health as properly as she should.  This is why I’m so happy to take on a challenging, new fitness regimen.

So with tonight being “Day 2″, we are both excited. My energy is a bit charged, as compared to my fright from last week, because I now know what to expect. In fact, I am already predicting the type of breathing exercises we are going to do. It’s not easy y’all! But Pilates definitely works every muscle in your body. The next day at work, Denice and I compared who had the most aches. I’m not sure who won, but it wasn’t enough to stop us from continuing with Pilates!

Check back next week to see how we’re feeling from the session tonight ….

xoxoxo, Denice and Elana

Photo Credits: Denice’s camera. Can you tell we don’t know what we’re getting ourselves into? 

This week on MTV’s The Hills, it was back to New York for Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port as they put the finishing touches on the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood event.  They were expected to arrive, do a presentation meeting with East Coast editor-in-chief Amy Astley and her staff, and jet back to L.A. to give Lisa Love a report.  Luckily, Lauren already had a boardroom-friendly dress set aside for this very occasion.

(Whitney presents her ideas for the Young Hollywood Party to the Teen Vogue staff)

When the girls arrived in NYC, the warm welcome was barely dished out before Amy broke the news that not only was Lauren asked to help out at a Marc Jacobs model casting, she would be leaving right now!  Thus, Whitney would be handling the meeting with the suits solo.  As Lauren made a mad dash for Seventy-Two Spring St., Whit faced her challenge with class and dignity (doesn’t she always?).  One by one, however, her proposals for the event were shot down – chandeliers, carpets, furniture…all were deemed “tacky,” “excessive,” or met with glares of collective disgust.

                           (Such luck: Lauren meets Marc Jacobs!)

Meanwhile, Lauren was immersed in the world of high fashion, pulling from racks and dressing models.  However, when approached by Marc Jacobs himself, she remained seated while greeting him to tend to her duties of “alphabetizing.”  I don’t want to lose faith in her professional abilities, but don’t tell me Lauren needs an etiquette lesson…

Back in L.A., we learn that in spite of the tension and turmoil, Lisa was told that the meeting was a huge success.  True to her passive-aggressive form, she took a shot at Whitney’s choice of meeting attire before informing Lauren that she did great as well.  So, who knows?  When The Hills on MTV eventually folds, there may be a future in fashion for them after all.

~ Brook

Photo Credits: www.MTV.com

 This week on Dr. 90210:

Dr. David Matlock is our featured Dr. 90210 plastic surgeon on episode 14. Although it has been a few weeks since we caught up with him, he seems to be on the same dating path as he was before: having fun with no pressure of a commitment! Despite the attempts of his daughter Jessica to convince him to settle down, Dr. Matlock has no interest in monogamy and intends to take advantage of his freedom.

In addition to his dating life, we also know that Dr. Matlock’s practice is thriving as well. This week we see how his surgical skills positively impact the lives of his patients.

The most moving segments of this episode of Dr. 90210 were those that contained breast cancer survivor Greta, Dr. Gary Motykie’s patient. What she has gone through in life, and what we see on this one-hour show, is amazing and touching.

And of course Dr. Will Kirby is back, treating another one of his famous clients – a “Brady.” To find out which member of the “Bunch” relied on our dermatologist for cosmetic improvements, check out my in-depth recap found on iEnhance.com.

~ Leeann

Image Credit: iEnhance.com

“Back to Normal”

…and Jana ends up going home; reassured that “resting up” was the best option for her only a few days after her breast augmentation surgery with Dr. Andres Taleisnik. Going home meant that she could lie down and rest, without having to pick up the phone, type, and do everything else a customer service/ project coordinator does for an extremely busy online marketing company.

But when work calls, it yells! Jana decides to give her job a go again the very next day (that’s what I call dedication!) after enjoying a day of rest. It is now 5 days past her surgery, and she is feeling “90 percent better.” During this full day back at work, Jana gets the help she needs when it comes to her administrative duties, yet according to Dr. Taleisnik she must still limit her physical activity in order to ensure a healthy and speedy recovery.

Because Jana wants to achieve just that, she listens to the doctor’s orders!

As for hearing my coworker’s story about her breast enhancement, I gotta ask her this burning question: “How does it feel knowing nearly everyone at work knows that you had a ‘boob job’?” Now wait – before I share her answer, let me make something clear: the only reason we all knew about her surgery was because Jana’s excitement poured through conversations, over cubicle walls, and into the lunch hour weeks before. We all couldn’t wait to witness her new look simply because she couldn’t wait. Her results appear natural, and yes – she loves them. Jana is happy she didn’t go too big (475 ccs) explaining that “they look natural and more proportionate for my body.”

So back to her answering my burning question, Jana says this in regards to the reactions from her coworkers: “There wasn’t a shock factor. For them, it was exciting to know someone who has gone through a transformation. Everyone admitted that it seems to have been the right decision for me.”

Jana says that she was 100 percent back to normal 2 months after her surgery, gleefully recalling her visit to Dr. Taleisnik’s office for her 2nd post-op. After learning that she was able to put her sports bras aside and go shopping for a “regular” bra (without underwire). Ms. Jana hit the mall the minute she left the doctor’s office – she couldn’t wait to find lingerie to flatter her new shape!

The conclusion to Jana’s Story Part 6, is almost here! Check back soon for “Shopping for My New Size.”

~ Elana

See what led up her desire to get breast implants, and check out Jana’s Story:

Part 1: “I was tired of feeling disproportioned!”
Part 2: “Consulting a Skilled Plastic Surgeon”
Part 3: “Pre-op Visit and the Day Of”
Part 4: “Recovering in the Comfort of her Own Home”

Photo Credit: My own camera!

We return to catch up on two weeks’ worth of drama-filled installments of The Hills on MTV, after a short hiatus due to the “Cram Session” recap episode (why watch  it when you can get the info right here on Beauty Chat?).
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Two weeks ago (episode 10), Lauren Conrad learned that the people she has accused all along of starting the “inappropriate video” rumor – Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, natch – may not have been the only ones responsible.  Throughout the hour, we see Heidi accuse Brody Jenner, with Jen Bunney returning to Lauren’s Circle of Trust (sort of) to relay this information. So Lauren sits down to confront Brody on the matter. His response? He maintains that it was “them” and no one else – no big surprise, but the suspense was fun for awhile.

(Dating a male model seemed like a good idea to Lauren – but alas, it was not meant to be.)

The following week during episode 11 on The Hills Season 3, Whitney Port and Lauren were assigned the daunting task of auditioning male models for the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood event.  One model named Gavin, cute in that “rugby player” way, became the object of Lauren’s interest (or perhaps a jealousy tool aimed at Brody?) for the next few days.  While flipping burgers during Brody’s quarterly BBQ in Malibu, and again while out with Lauren at Sushi Dan’s, Gavin showed us that the entities of “Male Model” and “Fun Person You Would Like to Date” are, in this case, mutually exclusive.

                              (Lauren calls up Brody for movie night!)
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After arriving at this realization, Lauren wastes no time when the date is over, immediately placing a call to Brody.  She asks him to come over and “watch a movie.”  When asked what movie they would be watching, she answers coyly, “Does it really matter?”  Nice!    

~ Brook

Photo Credits: www.MTV.com     

This week on Dr. 90210:

Episode 13 of Dr. 90210 reveals that someone wants a baby, and someone is having a baby!

The doctors spend time nurturing their patients, and now one is going to be able to dote on a brand new baby in about nine months. Over the course of season 5, we have been able to experience many life-changing events that the Beverly Hills plastic surgeons go through.

During this Dr. 90210 installment, one woman is looking to regain a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance, while on the other side of the spectrum, two other women are featured; yet these ladies want to look older and more mature (proving that every patient has unique cosmetic desires and surgical goals).

To embark on the surgical journey alongside three patients, as well as find out who is going to be welcoming a baby into their lives, read my Dr. 90210 summary in its entirety on iEnhance.com!

~ Leeann

Image Credit: iEnhance.com

This week on Dr. 90210:

Facial rejuvenation seems to be the hot topic among the patients featured on episode 12 of Dr. 90210. Both are attractive, blonde women who want to enhance their appearances with the help of cosmetic procedures.

As for the plastic surgeons, each are taking time to indulge in their interests outside of work. We see Dr. Jason Diamond do some more investing, hoping that his gamble will pay off. And Dr. Will Kirby is enjoying time with his live-in girlfriend, but he’s not liking the marriage discussions prompted by family and friends.

The most entertaining segment may be Dr. Robert Rey and his family’s camping trip. “Roughin’ it” Rey style, the foursome travel to a remote location to experience the sights and sounds of nature. To learn how that went, along with an explanation of everything else featured on Dr. 90210 this week, take a look at my iEnhance recap!

~ Leeann

Dr. 90210 Season Archive

Image Credit: iEnhance.com

This week on Dr. 90210:

Women take center stage during the 11th episode of Dr. 90210.

The featured patients who are undergoing plastic surgery are not enhancing their appearances simply for the rest of the world to see, but to correct their personal imperfections for the right reasons — themselves. Although undergoing different types of surgeries, both are recipients of procedures specific to women.

Additionally, we get to once again peek into the lives of our successful, satisfied, and sometimes stressed, plastic surgeons. Seeing the personal lives of Dr. Robert Rey, Dr. Linda Li, and Dr. Gary Alter help us to relate to them as “normal” people — opposed to celebrities that also happen to perform aesthetic improvements each week while television viewers watch!

While we can get carried away watching Reality TV shows, it is important to realize that those featured on this program are real, facing real problems and real surgeries.

A more detailed description of all of the events that occurred this week of Dr. 90210 can be found on my in-depth summary, featured on iEnhance.com!

~ Leeann

Dr. 90210 Season Archive

Image Credit: iEnhance.com

This week on MTV’s The Hills, Lauren Conrad, Audrina Patridge, and Lauren “Lo” Bosworth headed to Las Vegas to surprise Brody Jenner and friends for his 24th birthday.  Also tagging along was Mr. Fun himself – the sullen and withdrawn Justin Bobby.  To show goodwill, Lauren and Lo bought JB a drink to start out the night – and were surprised at his lack of manners.  Um, girls?  He never has any manners, remember?  “He didn’t even acknowledge us!” was the war cry they repeated throughout the evening, until Audrina decided she had enough of her friends bashing her guy (who, as usual, had disappeared with no explanation). 

               (Audrina is confronted by Lauren and Lo in Brody’s suite) 

Nonetheless, the party rolled on through the night in Brody’s Fantasy Suite at The Palms.  Where there’s a rotating bed and an indoor jacuzzi, there are bound to be hook-ups.  Pairing off was Lo and Frankie, in addition to Lauren and Brody Part III.

Back in LA, it was Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt’s first anniversary, but Brent Bolthouse (Botlhouse Productions) is making Heidi work the Emmy kick-off party.  Isn’t this type of perk the very thing Heidi wanted out of this job?  Guess not.  No can do, Brent.  When he tells her to get it covered by someone, Heidi pours salt in Elodie’s wounds by asking her to work the event.  But clever Miss Elodie already has it covered.  In a move of purely conniving genius, Elodie tells Heidi, “Sure, anything for you,” while neglecting to add, “Oh and by the way, I quit today, so I won’t actually be there, causing you to take the fall when I don’t show up.” 

                           (Happy 1-year Anniversary to you too, Spence!)

Blissfully unaware that this is the case, Heidi sits down at Don Antonio’s for her anniversary dinner with Spence.  As this episode of The Hills Season 3 winds down, Heidi answers her phone, and we hear, “Elodie’s not there?  What do you mean, she quit?”  The anniversary dinner is cut short, and Heidi leaves to go do her job.  Now, that’s good TV.

 ~ Brook

Photo Credits: www.MTV.com