I'm so, so happy to be back in my "home away from home." My heart will forever be divided between California and Spain so being able to split my time between both places was very important for me. And I feel beyond fortunate that I now have the capability to do so through modeling and the blog.
So here I am again and this time, I have my good friend Jessica (Bon Traveler) here with me for a few weeks of stopping by familiar places and new spots. Our first stop was Barcelona where we explored the city mostly by foot, eating our way through the markets and cafes, and did a bit of sightseeing. Barcelona is always a favorite place to go, as the culture is incredible.
After a quick stay, now we're off to Girona > Madrid > Lisbon!
Ok ladies, my favorite workout routine is finally here! After quite a few requests, I thought I'd share with you all the workouts I like to do when I'm on the road. You can do these routines from home, in a hotel room and or gym. It was vital for me to find certain workout plans that I could do from almost anywhere (with and without weights) as I travel quite often. So my trainer introduced me to TRX bands, and they've been life changing for me. When you're in a different city ever couple of days, it can be difficult to find time to hit the gym and get a proper workout but with these lightweight bands, I can literally take them anywhere and complete a full body workout no matter where I am. I just attach them to a door and I'm set.. The trick is that you use your own body weight in place of equipment you may have needed before.
Also, I've included a few exercises at the end (without the TRX bands) that are my go to's at the gym. Sometimes I'll incorporate these into my TRX workout as well.
I can typically get through this routine in 45 minutes but feel free to shorten or lengthen it as you prefer.. Also, the descriptions may not be by the book.. This is just how I like to refer to them.. (Remember I am not a personal trainer haha).
LEGS AND GLUTES:
Single Leg Squats : 15x each leg | 3 Reps
Start in standing position with one leg extended out.
Sit back into a seated position, keeping leg extended. Push back to standing. Alternate legs. 15x each.
Under Arm Split Leg - Hop & Tuck: 15x each leg | 3 Reps
Place the handles under your arms, step/squat back and then jump forward and tuck your knee.
Continue the rocking/ jumping motion until you've completed 15 then switch legs! Your booty will thank you later!
Single Leg Balance Squat with Kick Back: 15x each leg | 3 Reps
Balance is key with this move. It took me a while to be able to do these without the support of a bar or broom. If you need help balancing don't be afraid to grab on to something.
This move really helps stabilize your core as well as build muscle in your legs!
ARMS:
The Chair Sit Pullup: 15x | 3 Reps
Act like your sitting down in a chair and then pull yourself back up while squeezing those shoulder blades together.
Make sure to watch your posture and continue to keep knees bent when you come back up. Let the arms do all the work.
Bar & Band Pushups: 15x | 3 reps
Slide a broom or any kind of bar through your TRX handles for push-ups. These will sneak up on you so take it slow.. Make sure to keep the hands wide. The bar is unstable so these really make you use your arms and core to stabilize.
ABS:
Slide your TRX bands down to the lowest point.
Plank Mountain Climbers: 15x each side | 3 Reps
Slide toes through handles and start in plank position. Make sure your back is completely straight and not arched.
Pull knees in to meet right elbow. Extend back out to plank position then bring back in to opposite elbow. 15x each side.
And there's my favorite TRX workout! Like I said, go at your own pace and feel free to do less reps if you need to. It's always better to build up slowly then push yourself too hard. And don't forget to HYDRATE!!! My go to hydration drink is the Suja Probiotic water.
IN THE GYM:
ARMS:
Bosu Push-ups: 15x | 3 Reps
The bosu ball should be your new best friend in the gym. You can make any easy exercises more challenging by adding it in.
It forces you to balance by stabilizing your core while activatng more of those muscle groups.
ABS:
Pike and Plank: 15x | 3 Reps
Start in plank position with your shins on medicine ball.
Roll up and pull glutes to ceiling. Make sure to keep abs activated through entire movement.
Good ol' Bicycles: 15x | 3 Reps or 1 minute | 3 Reps
Lay down on back. Pull opposite elbow to opposite knee.
Repeat other side. Continue fluid movements. 15x each side or for one full minute.
FULL BODY:
Weighted Ball Slams: 15x | 3 Reps
This is my favorite leg/abs/arms workout. Using a weighted ball, reach up with hands above head, and in one quick squating motion, slam the ball to the ground with all your strength. Make sure your knees don't pass your toes!
The ball won't bounce back up very high so it might take you a few try's to catch it. Once you do, continue this movement as fast/strong as you possibly can for 15x. Great way to relieve stress too! ;)
LEGS AND GLUTES:
Bosu Ball Squats: 15x | 3 Reps
Because every woman should be doing squats for a nice/round booty.
Again, the bosu ball just makes your average squat that much more challenging and effective by forcing you to use that core to balance.
Kettle Bell Swing: 15x | 3 Reps
Start in standing positing, then squat down and spring back up pushing through your legs.
Let the kettle bell swing up and fall back down as you return to squating position then repeat. Keep the same momentum as the kettle bell by pushing through those legs.
That's it for now! I hope you all enjoy these workouts and the results! Any questions feel free to comment below! Xo
After being away for a few months, I think it's safe to say this past week in LA has been wonderfully hectic! Between meetings, shooting, filming and preparing for a few months on the road starting this coming Saturday, I found myself craming 10,000 things into just 10 days. Thank God my sister joined me as I don't think I would've made it without her here! Anywho, here's a few bts shots a was able to catch in between all the craziness! God, I love LA but I am so ready to jet off to Europe here shortly. ✈️
I've always been a big supporter of non profits and philanthropy work which is why, today, I've decided to highlight a company that I have the utmost love and respect for and who have excelled in the giving back department. That company is Tom's. CEO Blake Mycoskie set out with a simple vision of giving back to people in need by creating a "One for One" business model where every pair of shoe's purchased, Tom's will match by giving a pair to a child in need. And in just a short time, that quickly evolved into "coffee for water", "sunglasses for eyesite" and "bags for safe childbirth." It's amazing how a concept so simple has been so successful in changing 50 million lives in 5 continents in just 10 years! This just goes to show that miraculous things can happen with just a little inspiration and a good heart.
You can see more on how Tom's gives back on www.toms.com
There's nothing better than watching the sunrise in Venice.. So I was thrilled when my friend and photographer, Torrey said he was game to wake up at 5:30am to do a little impromptu shoot! And what a magical morning shoot it was. Here's a few bts shots! 🌸🍭
Currently blushing.. Thank you so much Maxim for this article. I absolutely love being able to share my life and travels with you all! 2016 is going to be full of new and exciting adventures! Thank you for being on this journey with me.. And fasten your seat belts! ;)
I just found out I'll be in Europe for quite a stretch this year so I'm spending as much time in the snow as possible. And as excited as I am to be going back I can't deny that I'm a little torn having to leave winter behind. For the first time in 5 years, Tahoe is finally getting the snow it used to so until I leave I'll be here soaking up as much freshies as I possibly can! ❄️
Like most this winter, I am obsessing over turtleneck sweaters this season... Especially the big oversized, knit ones. This one from Cupcakes and Cashmere is so comfortable and perfect for chilly days back in San Francisco...
Sweater - Cupcakes and Cashmere // Pants - TOPSHOP // Belt - Versace // Purse - Celine // Boots - Steve Madden // Bracelet - Coordinates Collection
Here's a little collage from my latest trip to Maui. It's no secret this place has become like a second home to me.. I can give you guys 10Million reasons why this place is so magical but the number one reason, to me, is the people. Maui is home to so many talented artists and designers and I feel so fortunate to have collaborated and become dear friends with many of them. My go to photographer, Frank Berthout, who is responsible for the majority of my images, is one of those people. He has an eye for photography like I've never seen.. And to be honest, when we first met (yeaarrrs ago) it was because I was really just a HUGE fan of his work. At that time he was only shooting underwater photography but when I noticed one of his photos (of a whale) in a coffee shop, I knew I had to get in touch with him.. So I reached out and we decided to do a test shoot. It was his first time shooting a model and my first time shooting underwater.. We were both completely out of our elements but decided to just wing it and we somehow created the most beautiful images. And since that day we've collaborated on numerous campaigns together and continue to do so.
Also, most of the jewelry you'll see me wearing is made by my very good friend and local designer, Olia. She draws her inspiration from the raw elements of the island and seamlessly mixes natural stones with black lava rock, wood, pyrite and sometimes even bone. No matter where I am in the world, I always make sure and bring a few of Olia's custom made pieces with me, that way I always carry a little bit of Maui and my friends with my everywhere I go..
Jewelry - ByOlia // Pink Bikini - Imrie // Black Bikini - Dos Gardenias
It's no secret that I have an undying love for pretty, little lingerie.. So I'm very excited to share with you this collaboration I did with my favorite Italian lingeire line, Intimissimi. Not only do they make the most comfortable underwear but I love how unique all their sets are and how affordable it is to boot. Intimissimi, in my eyes, has managed to keep the balance between sexy and comfortable enabling women to wear these adorable pieces throughout the day as well as the night. I can't wait to add more to my collection! 💋
Here's a few unseen pics from my trip to Vienna. I will surely have to visit this beautiful city again as I only had two days here. But between seeing the lipizzaner stallions, exploring the ginormous Christmas marts and spending countless hours at the Museum of Natural History (a must see for History buffs like me), I think I did well with the short time I had. Also, I know now that I have quite a few followers from Vienna, so I would love to hear any recommendations you guys may have as I would love to get back to this city ASAP!
2015 you've been an increddddible year! There's so much I want to say but I'll try and keep it short. This year has taught me a lot about patience, perseverance and (as cheesy as it sounds) to always stay true to my heart.
To my family, friends and agents, you guys are responsible for me always keeping this "gigantic" smile on my face.. I love you all so, so much! Thank you for your continued love and support. Here's to another year of chasing dreams, staying inspired through meeting new people and discovering more of this beautiful world! I hope you all will do the same! #2016, I'm ready for ya! ✨
