My Fitness Regimen

I am a huge fan of running.  Nothing is better than taking a long run on a beautiful and sunny day with a nice, cool breeze.  Not only do you get to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, breathe fresh air, clear your head, and get your daily vitamin D, you also get to burn calories and fat, strengthen and tone your muscles, release endorphins, and improve your cardiovascular health.  To me, running is the best type of exercise out there.

I started running in middle school after seeing my mom run around the neighborhood.  This ultimately led me to joining the high school track team.  While I was mainly a long and triple jumper, I still enjoyed running whenever I get the chance.  While in college, I became a little more of a running fanatic and would go on 45-60 minute runs as often as possible.  After being plagued by many bouts of knee pains and shin splints, I was referred to multiple physicians, physical therapists, and podiatrists.  I won't go into all of the details of my past medical history, but I will tell you some of the important key points I took away from all of this.  (I'll be doing a more detailed post on footwear and orthotics in the near future).

• Proper workout gear is key!  This includes sunscreen, sunglasses and/or hats!
• Not all sneakers are alike!
• Custom orthotics can save you a lot of pain and protect your body from injuries, but they are not necessary for everyone. 
• Stretching is an important part of your workout. Targeted stretching can also help with hip and knee problems.
• Rehydrate!

Nowadays I've scaled back my running to only 3-4 times per week in order to preserve my knees.  I like to give myself at least a full day off in between runs when I can (which can be so hard when you have back-to-back sunny days in the Northeast).  Variation is also important, and I mix in some yoga or light weight-lifting on days between runs.  I've also tried out other modes of exercise to mix up my routine (including hip hop classes, circuit training, and barre classes), but more on that later!

This photo was taken in San Francisco, CA. It was so serene running/walking here. SF has the best running trails!

H&M Reviews

H&M, you really know how to get me into your stores! With last week's 20% off coupon, I popped into my local H&M to check out the inventory.  I had seen a couple of the items on other blog reviews, so I already knew what I was looking for.  Note: the coupon that I used has expired, but if you sign up for the mailing list on http://www.hm.com/us/ they will email you a coupon for 20% off one item (valid until 5/23/12).

Conscious Collection Knee-Length, Straight-Cut Dress

Size 2, item #042750, $14.95 ($11.96 after coupon)
I really like the cut and feel of this dress.  It's made from 64% Lyocell, 33% cotton, and 3% elastane, with a lining made from 100% recycled polyester.  The material is thick and retains it structure well, but has a little give from the elastane.  It also looks like no other dress that I own, making it a unique addition to my wardrobe. Love the pockets too!
Verdict: Purchased.

Conscious Collection Knee-length Lace Pencil Skirt and Sleeveless Blouse

Dress Size 4, item #021285, $14.95 ($11.96 after coupon)
This dress was available in two colors: coral pink and powder pink.  I really liked the delicate, feminine look of the powder pink version, but it was very sheer!  The material 70% organic cotton and 30% polyamide, with a lining of 100% recycled polyester.  The material is thin, feels a little flimsy, and the lining really is quite see-through in the lighter version, which is why I ended up choosing the darker color.  You'll need slim shapewear or undies with this skirt, because any lump or bump will stick out in this material.
Verdict: Purchased both but will keep the coral version.

White Sleeveless Blouse with Pockets (above)
Size 2, item #059678, $12.95 ($10.36 after coupon)
I have several shells for layering under cardigans, but none have the over-sized pockets like this sleeveless blouse.  This is just a great basic piece and the pockets and price are what sold me.
Verdict: Purchased.

Navy Polka Dot Dress

Size XS, item #031063, $34.99 ($28 after coupon)
Sorry for the not so great picture.  This dress is really form fitting and definitely hugs your curves.  The material is 95% viscose and 5% elastane, which makes it stretchable.  No lining.  I like the V-neck and the side ruching, but I wonder if this dress is maybe a little too tight on my hips.  When I tried to size up, the neckline gaped open.
Verdict: Purchased but will probably end up returning in favor of the Loft dresses that I bought.  My boyfriend liked this one and dubbed it "the sexiest" out of all the dresses I picked up, which means that I probably should not wear this to work haha!

Loft Reviews

This past weekend was pretty good for sales.  Ann Taylor and Loft had their 40% off Friends and Family Sale and H&M had a coupon for 20% off one item (H&M post to follow).  I just wanted to post some fitting room photos and thoughts.  Any ideas as to what I should keep will be much appreciated!

Loft Reviews
Final Sale Items

Modern Straight Leg Corduroy Pants

Size 0p, $12 after discount
Fit was pretty comfortable.  Length was good.  Came in a berry color as well as beige.  After discounts these pants came out to $12 in store, but it looks like the online price will come out to $7.73 ($12.88 pre-discounts)!
Verdict: Passed.  This looks too casual for work, and I'm not sure how long this colored pants trend will last.

Striped Sweater Dress

Size XS, $9 after discount (not on Loft website)
Fit was a little big on top.  The dress was pretty comfortable, but the sleeves were very baggy unrolled.
Verdict: Passed.  I already own some sweater dress, including a BR striped one that I like more.

Printed Knit Dress

Size XS, $12 after discount (not on Loft website)
The knit material was very stretchy, but I thought the style and cut was a bit too matronly.  I have to admit I only tried it on because the price was $12.
Verdict: Passed

Not Final Sale Items

Striped Knit Dress- Navy

Size S, item #10943496, $38.99 after discount (not on Loft website)
The material was pretty substantial and also pretty stretchy.  I would prefer a slight V-neck or boat neck, but I guess I'll have to settle for this cowl neck. I also do like the ruched details along the right side. The dress material is 70% rayon and 30% Tencel Lyocell, with a polyester lining.
Verdict: Purchased and still deciding.

Striped Knit Dress- White

Size SP, item #10946491, $35.99 after discount (not on Loft website)
The material of this dress is a little lighter than the navy version, but still pretty stretchy.  This dress is the same material as above, with ruched details on the left side.  I do like the neckline of this dress, but am not sure if this is too casual looking for work.
Verdict: Purchased and still deciding.

Earth Day Freebies!

I went over to the mall today with a companion, and we stopped at both the Origins Counter at Macy's and Sephora. Both stores are doing the recycling program. After recycling four beauty product containers, I came away with all this!!

Each free full-size moisturizer (1.7oz) retails for $35-$46.  Pretty nice incentive to get you to help out the environment!  I always try to recycle anyway, so I especially love getting prizes to do so.


My mom and my boyfriend's mother will be getting a nice moisturizer for Mother's Day in their gifts this year :)


I've done the Origins Earth Day promotion for two years now, and I just want to add that they do recycle empty beauty product containers year round.

Amrita Singh Reviews and H&M necklace

I recently purchased two Amrita Singh necklaces from BeyondtheRack.com (BTR), a daily deal sample site similar to Ruelala or Hautelook. I chose the Amrita Singh Milot necklace in Amalfi Turquoise (originally $150) and the Shelter Island necklace in Coral Haze (originally $150, but marked down to $100).  These two necklaces were being sold at a much lower price than any other sample sale site I had seen in the past and were also only a fraction of their retail price! 

As you can see, I only paid $22.99 for the Milot and $24.99 for the Shelter Island.  Not a bad deal!

After putting my order in, I checked out BTR reviews and became a little nervous.  There are some pretty bad reviews out there, but I decided to wait and see.  BTR items don't ship out immediately, but I ended up receiving my package 14 days after I placed the order, which is within the estimated time frame I received.  Now onto the reviews...

The Milot necklace 

See my most recent outfit pairing with the Milot necklace here.

The Amrita Singh website description reads, "Length 18-20''. 18k gold-plated brass bib necklace with round resin beads. Adjustable lobster closure."

I would say this description rings true.  The necklace is very lightweight.  The turquoise resin beads look like coated glass or plastic beads up close.  The gold plating is very bright!

The Shelter Island necklace

The Amrita Singh website description reads, "Length 16-19'' adjustable chain. Pendant Length 2.75'' Width 2''. Smooth cabochon resin stones. Multi-stone flower drop. 18k gold plated over brass."

This necklace is my favorite of the two. I would say this description also rings true.  The necklace itself looks like it should be quite substantial but is actually quite light.  The resin beads are also very pretty and look like polished stone.  The gold plating here is more subtle. This necklace also looks pretty similar to the popular Amrita Singh Nello Necklace.  I played around with two different lengths below.

I also just wanted to quickly update about an H&M necklace that is in stores now.  This necklace looks very similar to the J.Crew Bubble Necklace, but is only $12.95.  It's really light and obviously very affordable.  The stones/beads (?) obviously do not look as nice as the J.Crew version and have a geometrical look to them instead of a smooth polished surface, but I think the overall look from afar brings about a similar appearance.  With the 20% off coupon available until tomorrow (4/22/12), this will be a steal at $10.36 + tax.  I chose to keep both Amrita Singh necklaces, and I returned this one.

 (please ignore that monstrosity in the background that is my closet)

If you would like an invitation, click here to sign up for Beyondtherack (referral link).

About Me

Hello, everyone!  I've been reading fashion and beauty blogs, daily deal blogs, and couponing blogs for a few years, and I just now decided to create my own!  My interests include affordable fashion and freebies, health and wellness, running, reading, traveling and more.  The purpose of this blog will be to share with you my personal fashion and beauty finds, nutrition and exercise tips and experiences, DIY projects, book reviews, and all other things involved in a petite lifestyle!

More about me: I am a petite Asian girl at 5'3 and weigh 107 lbs (not quite as petite as many other petite bloggers).  I am currently finishing up medical school and about to start my medical residency training in pediatrics.  I live in Philadelphia, PA.