Bikini Bod Countdown - Week 4 GIVEAWAY!!

I am so excited to announce my first GIVE AWAY contest. Im sure you guys are sick of seeing pictures of my body so for the 4th and final week I decided to give you guys a little summer treat. A chance to win this sexy tie dyed bikini. I spotted it and actually wanted it for myself bcos I love the shade and style. But since I've already purchased a few new bikinis I thought it would be nice to give you guys a little something back. My appreciation for the comments and readership I have gained in the past few months.

Description: SIZE S, grey and black tie dyed pattern, triangle string bikini

So to win this sexy string bikini all you gotta do is earn as many points as you can. I also added a bonus question to break any ties. Make sure to comment and tell me which ones you have done and also include your name and email address. So the points go as follows:

♡ Follow my blog. There's the link on the right side column. If you're already a follower just let me know when you comment 8 POINTS

♡ Follow me on twitter(click here) 5 POINTS

♡ Tweet about my giveaway or you can on FB 5 POINTS

♡ Post about my giveaway on your blog using the following code for the banner 15 POINTS

<a href="http://misscindee.blogspot.com/2010/07/bikini-bod-countdown-week-4-giveaway.html"><img src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww133/miss_cindee/bikini2.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://misscindee.blogspot.com/2010/07/bikini-bod-countdown-week-4-giveaway.html">Click here</a> to enter Cindee's bikini giveaway<br />

♡ Answer: How would you wear this bikini (with what kind of accessories...etc?) If you want to get creative go to Polyvore and cull together a look based on this bikini 5-20 POINTS

I'll choose a winner when I get back from Vegas.
Contest ends JULY 18 2010

5 Fun Tips to Play Up Your Summer Style

1♥ Accessorize by putting a fresh flower in your hair. Its the perfect touch to celebrate the warm weather while enjoying the sunset with your hunnie

2♥ Traveling this summer? Plan your trip based on an outfit theme. In the Sex in the City 2 movie their clothing choices were inspired by bold bohemian colors, desert silhouettes like harem pants, caftans & turbans. maybe you can do a nautical inspired theme or choose an animal inspired theme where you pair your LBD with peacock feathered earrings or accent a white summer dress with zebra printed sandalst. Use your imagination and be playful

3♥ Icecream tastes so good on hot hot days and so cute when the bubblegum shades are painted on your toenails

4♥ Protecting your skin from the sun is important(I just started to see some sun spots appear on my arms ahhh!) So why not do this in the most stylish way you can. Invest in some summery hats. Like a straw hat to wear to the beach with your new bikini and your sexy espadrilles or a cute boater hat unless you prefer a cowboy hat. Not only does it shield your face from the sun, it also adds some sassy style to your beach outfit

5♥ Walking barefoot on the beach? Why not try one of these foot accessories? I got THIS ONE when I was walking around Venice Blvd on my trip to Cali last year. I love it.

Bikini Bod Countdown - Week 3

Im a little late posting week #3. It was a busy week full of activity, Canada day and birthdays so I haven't gotten around to this post till now. I also got my Victoria's Secret bikinis as well! yay! The one Im wearing was on clearance. They have pretty good deals on bikinis so check it out if you're looking for some new ones. Beach Bunny is a cute bikini brand as well. Very popular right now and the designs are very different. When I was in Bali we also stumbled upon this bikini store by Kuta Beach. It's called Blue Glue and they have a Canadian site too. I think I'm good for bikinis bcos I made a few too. I think Im all set =)

So its really important to switch up the exercises you do so your muscles dont get used to it. Week 3 I went hiking with some good pals on a trail called Troll Falls. Beautiful scenery all the way up and it was quite an adventurous hike bcos we had to climb up rocks and jump thru streams.

♥ Since its summertime go for walks after dinner
♥ Bike to the store instead of driving
♥ Swimming is also great and as a bonus you get a little tanning done
♥ If you're lucky to be around a beach go jogging in the sand
♥ Wall climbing!! This is next on my list

I also tried to mow our lawn. The grass had grown to almost a foot. Yikes! It was such a struggle pushing thru all that grass. I hate to admit it but I couldnt do it =( I tried with all my might hahaha

Links of the Week-Good Reads

I think these 2 photos that I found capture those moments I have when I cuddle up to a book. I feel like Im in a different world where my imagination can run wild. I love the feel of books in my hands and the sound that's created when I turn each page.

One of my most favorite pastimes is to read so I felt like dedicating this week's links to some good articles that I have come across online. Not exactly book recommendations but just some stuff that I enjoyed reading. Hope you like them too!

♥ This article here at Abundance Tapestry made me become more aware of my actions and how they reflect my beliefs
♥ Define your personal strengths
♥ 101 most inspiring quotes
♥ The beauty of entrepreneurs
♥ Self Motivational Skills
♥ A letter to men
♥ Use your senses to refresh your soul
♥ Overcoming procrastination using self-talk
♥ Fashion & Posture
♥ How to find your own unique blogging style
♥ Parisian Style

Lux Pups

These dogs are so adorable. LUXPUP is company located in Coquitlam, BC that sells luxury teacup puppies that are imported from Korea. It trips me out when I look at these photos for too long. These puppies look like toys & I wanted to share them with you. Realistically tho, I think these puppies are too cute for me. They are so tiny and precious and not meant for my careless tendencies. When I get another dog I'd want a Australian Shepard, a black Lab or adopt one from the pound.

Anyways, if you think these photos are cute check out the videos. They are posted on their website.

Bikini Bod Countdown - Week 2

Thanks for the awesome feedback and comments. I will definitely get back to everyone =)

Week 2: So, not much change this week except for the fact that I felt pretty bloated. I hate being a girl sometimes. Honestly, it discouraged me quite a bit in the beginning of the week. I was frustrated bcos I felt like after all the work I put into keeping fit & being healthy, one small change in diet can effect my body so noticeably & adding to this issue was that it was that 'time of the month'. The more frustrated I got the more I munched out which totally counteracts my efforts.

Once I caught myself in this negative pattern I realized that you always have a choice. You can always pick yourself back up and not let negative thoughts rule your mind. Instead on focusing solely upon results remind yourself what you have achieved, how good your body feels & then ask yourself what's your next step. It's easy to feel defeated but taking things one step at a time will keep you on track rather than overwhelm you.

Here are some tips if you have problems with bloating:
-Find out the real cause behind it. Is it due to hormonal change, digestive problem, water retention? Once you know, its much easier to prevent or treat
-Drink chamomile tea. I hear ginger and peppermint also help
-Try dry brushing or a detox bath
-if you can, cut out coffee and alcohol
-dont eat when you're upset or anxious
-limit your salt intake
-try doing PAVANMUKTASANA. It's a very simple and basic yoga pose. Translated its called the 'wind release' pose

Bikini Bod Countdown

Exactly one month today I will be in Vegas so I've decided to put myself on a bikini bod challenge for the next 4 weeks. I already exercise regularly but for the next 4 weeks I want to turn it up a notch & eat more healthy so I can lean out and build a bit more muscle tone. I will post my progress each week & if you want you can follow along. For some of you that are inconsistent with your workouts check out my first Transform your Body series for a bit more motivation. And if you're already there and just want to read some really cool tips, check out Katy's post on Health & Wellbeing. I love it.

March 2010:
This is what I looked like 3 months ago. A lil less toned and a bit wider in the waist due to winter fat. I worked out 4 times a week ranging between 3-3.5 hrs mixing cardio and weights but didnt watch what I was eating. I indulged in a lot of comfort foods and chocolate!! mmm*

Week one:
-For the first week I started doing a lot of exercises from Body Rock tv. I love this site bcos she seems to post something new everyday. I felt a drastic change in my strength already & developing muscles in places that I didnt think could be defined
-Did 2 yoga classes this week & went to the gym 3 times. Before I would be at the gym for at least 3 hrs but now I find myself cutting down to 1.5-2 hrs. I focus on training harder rather than longer. I try not to take any breaks in between and try to make myself sweat as much as possible
-I try to keep my metabolism high through out the day by using my muscles as much as I can. If im carrying groceries I will use them as weights while I walk to my car(yes i got a few funny stares lol*) or when Im going up the stairs I would run up them or go up them by twos making sure i engage my leg muscles. I would do pushups and situps while watching tv...you know little things like that. It makes a big difference
-This week I ate more often but I made sure the portions were small and that it had some king of protien in it. Whey powder put into a smoothie or added into my oatmeal, hardboiled egg... also been eating more fruits and veggies

Follow me little birdie

Hello lovelies. If you haven't already done so pls follow me on Twitter. If you've ever been interested in what kind of magical things go on in my daily life then this is a good opportunity to find out =D

♥ Miss Cindee on Twitter ♥