Then, two years ago, I woke up. I would be damned if I let stress take over my body. I wanted to turn something that could be debilitating and make a positive change. So that’s what I did – I started taking “Kwando” classes at my local gym, which is a variation of Tae Kwan Do in an aerobics fashion and kickboxing moves.

After a friend of mine at work told me about the class, I knew that this is what I needed to ease my stress. Through punches, jabs, side kicks, and hooks, I soon became a regular who attended Kwando twice a week. I highly recommend this class to those who are ready to exercise to great upbeat music and enjoy working out in a big group. Although I have now retracted and stopped going to Kwando as often, due to other responsibilities taking priority as well, I know that the class exists. I hope to attend again very soon, as I can feel the difference when I don’t go. As I am quickly approaching 30 years old, I realize that I need to continue to stay active. Kwando benefits your body, spirit, and mind, as it is quite challenging and tests your inner and outer strenth. After an hour, you will walk away feeling a sense of achievement, something that you are doing for yourself.

So if you decide to attend this class, here are three areas to take notice of. I have learned each lesson by starting off doing the WRONG thing. Now I am here to share the RIGHT way to go about it all:

Comfy Shoes – This class is all about staying in motion, moving your feet to the beat while moving your arms with intensity. Wearing shoes without the necessary support will ultimately ruin your chance of enjoying the workout as you will need to stop every few minutes to let your feet relax. As someone who wears heels every day, there were days when I could barely do jumping jacks with everyone because I wasn’t wearing the right tennishoes. It was like I was working out in heels! After I purchased the right pair (cute pink and white Nikes!), I was able to exercise full force and not take breaks anymore. Supportive footwear is extremely important in Kwando.

Stay hydrated – This is a non-stop exercise course, so I typically take my place in class close to the water fountain. Staying hydrated is an ultimate important part in maintaining your energy. So a quick step to the water fountain will do you good. Milk is always known to the body good, but water will help you survive.

Watch Yourself  – In the class I take, everyone is facing a wall mirror. This is my favorite aspect of the class. It gives you a chance to watch your movement and study your form. If you can put aside all self-consciousness, you will realize your strength and analyze how you would like to increase your stamina and improve tone certain parts of your body. Plus, seeing group movement is stimulating because you realize that you are all in it together. It provides a nice support in a challenging workout.

Depending on the length of time you take the class, and intensity of the workout, you can burn up to 1200 calories. Nice, right? Kwando will give you a sense of renewal and will transform a soft body into a tighter phsique. After only a few courses, you will notice tighter buns, less saddlebags, firmer arms, and a flatter belly. Kwando will help you to release your stress and take out any frustration through striking moves. So find out if your local gym offers this class. Most of the time, it’s a free course, making this also easy on your wallet.

Have you already taken Kwando? If so, or if you decide to go forth with it, please let me know!

Have fun!

Elana Pruitt has built her personal shopping and wardrobe consulting business — Good Girl Gone Shopping — on the idea that everyone deserves A-list personalized service, no matter his or her budget. Also the senior editor of an Internet marketing company, Elana is in the process of writing her first non-fiction book.

Photo Credit © Zdenka Darula | Dreamstime.com

When shopping, I think most of us decide to put back a fabulous-fitting piece on the rack and tell ourselves that it’s OK to wait if we aren’t planning to wear the piece for awhile – which, yes, is a great way to save money. But it’s also OK to prepare for each upcoming (and current!) season. This is actually a practical tip. Your environment plays a huge role in what is sold in stores – guiding the merchandise actually – so it’s time to ask yourself: Are you being practical? Summer fashion sales are all over the place – both online and in the stores. These days, $50 can take you quite far with updating your closet. This means that money doesn’t necessarily have to come in your way of keeping up with seasonal fashion. Give up a few cups of coffee each week, along with packs of cigarettes and eating out, and you should be able to walk in a store, such as Old Navy, and stock up on tanks, sandals, dresses, and shorts.

Whether you are planning an outdoor vacation or just want to feel comfy in your own home, you can dress as chic as a celeb! Summer sales are here and retailers are just waiting for you to embark on what they have in stock. I don’t recommend shopping simply due to their supplies and their business plans; but I do recommend that you treat yourself to a comfortable summer. This means that those UGGs may need to take a backseat for awhile.

Photo credit: http://www.media.trendmill.com

So let’s admit it – Gretchen Rossi of The Real Housewives of Orange County (on Bravo) looks amazing and the epitome of a California beach babe in this image.  But if you don’t fit this mold, no worries! There are specific cuts for every time of shape and size. What works for my pear shape and size 6 body? Two piece solids, with simple bottoms that have no ties or strings on the side. I want to at least appear svelte!

Photo Credit: Jason Mitchell/BuzzFoto.com

    * Cameron Diaz, fabsugar.com
    * Beyonce, bellasugar.com
    * Lauren Conrad, celebritybeautybuzz.com
    * Leighton Meister, fabsugar.com
    * Calista Flockhart, splendicity.com

However, through her accessories, I am able to feel even more connected to her legacy of style.

During her funeral, I wore her pearls, and these days, I make it a point to wear one of her necklaces or bracelets every day. Her gentle touch still touches me, literally. I realize how fortunate I am to be apart of my grandma Shirley’s journey.

Her style has always been impeccable, inspirational, and completely her own. I remember when she bought me a red knit sweater from Ralph Lauren when I was 13 years old, but I told her that I didn’t really need it. (Even then I was budget-conscious!) And I remember her saying to me: “Honey, you should also have at least one quality piece in your closet.” To this day, I follow her philosophy.