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Karissa Pukas - How to Build your Booty

Who is she?

Karissa Pukas has been a little starlet on You Tube for years now, making quite the name for herself for beautifully edited videos on everything from skincare, makeup, fashion and vlogs. A Canadian living in Australia, Karissa lives with her boyfriend Glen and her super cute chihuahua Lola.

What is she up to?

She has recently kicked up a gear in her vlogging and we love seeing what she is up to, like beach trips and market exploring, hitting the gym and making healthy meals, or showing us how she planted her vegetable garden. Watch one here where she does a circuit training session or watch this one for vegan and vegetarian meal ideas.

How does she inspire us?

After hitting the gym for the past few months, Karissa posted about her current progress in the gym and how she has achieved some serious goals! We love seeing girls inspiring each other to make better choices and feel confident, strong and happy! Let's see what she wrote down below…. and can we just say, looking AMAZING Karissa!!!

I was always insecure about my ass. I grew up quite athletic, but skinny and flat as a pole (my friends always called me lamp shade when I wore a skirt…)

It never made things easier that I fell into a job where every aspect of my body and personality was scrutinized. I had always been athletic and had no problem gaining muscle and tone everywhere else on my body- but my legs and butt were my ‘problem spot’ I just thought it couldn’t be done and it was what it was How wrong was I.

The past 4 months I’ve focused on eating more consistently (making sure I’m eating a good mixture of protein and slow release carbs) and lifting. Heavy. Pushing myself more than I ever have before. I was always afraid of looking bulky up top and convinced myself that cardio was 'enough’ and I couldn’t have been more wrong. Lifting has changed my life - physically and mentally. It’s just the start of my journey and I’m pretty stoked to see where it takes me. #LampPostNoMore

HUGE thanks to my mom, @nikkiblackketter and @buffbunny for the daily inspiration. Who run the world…?

Tell us, who is your inspiration??

January Essentials

How to keep those holiday vibes going this summer.

FETCH FLOATS

Move over giant swan or even you over there giant flamingo because there's a new cool kid in town. Fetch floats have brought out a range of mystical floaties shaped in dragons and unicorns. These must-have sun lounges will turn your pool party into a magical wonderland.

SUMMER FRUIT COCKTAILS

Of course we want to be using our fruit for green smoothies and fresh fruit salads this summer but nothing beats a margarita punch to get the party started.

Skinny Strawberry Margarita Punch

Ingredients:
500 grams of strawberries, chopped and preferable frozen
2 lemons, juiced
4 cups water
1-2 tablespoons agave nectar
1½ cups good-quality tequila
1 cup of no added sugar pineapple juice
4 cups of diet lemonade
¼ cup of stevia
Limes and strawberries, for garnish
Salt to rim glasses (optional)

Method:
Put chopped strawberries along with stevia and 1 cup water into a blender or food processor and mix until smooth.
Pour strawberry mixture into a large pitcher Add lemon and orange juice, soda, agave nectar, tequila, and the remaining 3 cups of water. Mix until well combined.
Serve over ice, garnish with strawberries and limes. Salt the rim of your glasses for an added margarita flair. Enjoy!

LUXE BEACH TOWELS

Beginning boutique

Beginning boutique

Planning to find the perfect beach or park spot to set up for the day with a good book, some coconut water and your beau? A big luxurious beach towel can be your fave picnic blanket, sand protector and be something to wrap you up after a day in the pool.

POWER BOWLS

Acai bowls were so 2015 as 2016's equivalent are nutritionally packed bowls of veggie goodness that are the perfect summertime meal. Take inspiration from Korean and Japanese cooking by adding brown rice, your favourite veggies, top with a little protein of your choice and flavour with spices and herbs.

BRONZING OILS

The most luxurious faux tans to be released our infused with natural oils to moisturise your skin while leaving you with a bronzed glow. This way you can get fake baked without drying your skin out, leaving your tan looking more natural and lasting longer. Or choose a shimmering bronzed oil to enhance your tan and leave your looking super sexy for a night out.

OFF-THE-SHOULDER

Frocks that fit below the neck line are perfect to wear throughout the hotter months and can be paired with a denim jacket for evenings. These sort of dresses are perfect to throw on in those 'I have nothing to wear' moments. Throw on some sandals, a floppy hat and you're out the door.

Princess Polly

Witchery

Atmos Here

My highlights of style in 2015

Before 2016 rings in, I want to mention a few of my favourite style trends to emerge in 2015. Style is something that constantly evolves and changes as life transpires. Some of my inspirational stylists this year were beauty vloggers like Chloe Morello and Rachael Brook, and sydney trend setters posting instagram shots with lush layouts of fashion, accessories and beauty products.

Of course Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and Elle remain constant sources of influence, largely because they dedicatedly present fashion houses collections and keep us informed in all we need to know. Travelling to Europe this year also meant I could see designer collections first hand and see the trends first in the Northern hemisphere, knowing what I could expect to hit down under later that year.

Last but not least, what my friends do with their fashion and accessory choices always inspire me, as well as women I spot in my daily life. I admittedly check out women much more than I do men. People watching gives me some of my greatest style thoughts.

Here is three trends I will be taking through to the new year.

Ear Cuffs

Not brave enough to pierce my ears beyond the school girl pearls in each ear, ear cuffs allowed me to experiment with jewellery not usually for those less adventurous types. Ear cuffs come in all different sizes and placements with different stones, metals and designs. Ornate ones create a dramatic effect and small dainty pieces dress up a simple ensemble.

Rachael Brook - Ear Cuff Amber Sceats

My ear cuff from Mimco

Chloe Morello

Reflective sunglasses

Straight off the runway, the latest trend in sunglass wear in high gloss reflective pieces that will make a statement. Aviator shape, bright colours, loud styles and bold metals, this trend isn't subtle.

Mini Cross Body Bags

Mini.

Long strap or petite handles.

Structured and super cute. May contain studs, tassels or buckles.

THE bag trend of 2015 and it's here to stay.

What trend got you excited this year?

Sweet omelette - protein packed paleo breakfast option

Sweet Omelette

Ingredients:

• 1 egg and 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons of almond or hazelnut meal
• a few chopped pecan
• 1/2 scoop of protein powder
• 2 tablespoons of stevia or date sugar
• spray coconut oil
• sugar-free pancake syrup or maple syrup to serve

Method:

1. Whisk the eggs together and add in the nut meal, pecans, protein powder and sugar. Mix until combined.
2. Heat a small saucepan and coat with coconut oil. Once it is hot, add in the omelette mix.
3. Cook for a few minutes before flipping one side over to fold the omelette. Turn the heat on low and cook for a few more minutes until the egg is set.
4. Flip onto a plate and serve with syrup.

Healthy Christmas Treats - Paleo Rum Balls

Healthy Rum Balls

Ingredients:

• 150g raw almonds
• 80grams almond meal
• ½ cup of desiccated coconut 
• 2 scoops vanilla Sun Warrior Protein/ protein powder (you can omit this if you want)
• A dash of vanilla essence
• One shot of rum (you can omit if you don't want the alcohol!) 
• 2 cups of loosely packed medjool dates, soaked
• Water from soaked dates
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons cacao powder

For Mixing through/ coating balls:

• Loving Earth Deluxe Bukinis
• Cacao nibs
• More desiccated coconut

Method:

1. Firstly, soak the dates in hot/boiling water for 10 – 15 minutes - this is particularly necessary if you buy the sealed packet in the baking section and not fresh dates as they are more dry.
2. Place almonds, almond meal, cacao powder, cinnamon, coconut and protein powder in a blender or food processor or blender and mix until the almonds are crumbly.
3. Add the dates and the rum if you are using. Slowly add drained water until the mixture starts to come together. Stop adding water when you reach your desired consistency. 
4. Mix through cacao nibs and bukinis 
5. Roll into small balls and coat in desiccated coconut 
6. Store in the fridge – Makes around 20-25 balls

(Paleo, Refined Sugar-Free, Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free)

Hot Yoga: Sweating your way to Success

I braved my fears and took a hot yoga class last weekend. Let's face it, yoga on a good day can be challenging enough but trying to pose and breathe in a balmy 37 - 40 degree studio can be down right impossible!

The room felt like a hot day in Singapore, when the air is thick with steam and the heat promises an afternoon rain storm. I dressed in appropriate sweat-proof yoga gear; something that would absorb moisture but not show any evidence of the impending sweat session. I once wore light purple tights to the gym once and it was not a pretty sight.

Strangely you get used to the warmth in a way that never seems to happen in the real world. As we went through a series of poses and stretches, I forgot about the temperature all together. We were all sweating but the air is so warm you can barely feel the wetness on your skin. Holding poses is a bit tricky when you are drenched in sweat; you can't hold on to your own limbs as they slip from your grasp. Downward dogs can be face plants and your palms slide around on the mat.

I thought I would only make it to 60 minutes but as the instructor finished the class at 90 minutes I couldn't believe how fast the time had gone despite the challenging nature of the class. It was a refreshing and energising way to start the morning.

More about Hot Yoga

Hot yoga is also called Bikram yoga. It can burn as much as 2500kj in one sweaty session. The 90-minute workout is scientifically designed to systematically work every part of the body – from massaging the internal organs, flushing out the cardiovascular system and stimulating the endocrine and nervous systems, to toning and stretching a range of ligaments and muscles in the body.

Not only are the health benefits plentiful and the warmth of the environment a welcomed bonus from the numbing cold outside, it can also help protect you from catching a nasty cold or flu. Studies show the raised temperature in the room and the sequence of poses can assist in stimulating the thymus gland which improves T-cell function and the proper functioning of your immune system.

Even if you take it easy, Bikram yoga is not for everyone. It isn't recommended for pregnant women in their second to third trimester, unless experienced. Bikram Yoga can be practiced by all age groups, young and old. Though if you have concerns or other medical conditions like high blood pressure or a heart problems, it's recommended you get the go-ahead from your doctor first.

You also need to double your water intake (about four liters) to compensate for fluids lost through perspiration in class.

Avoid eating two hours before class and hold off on drinking more than a glass or two of alcohol that day as it dehydrates. And don't be afraid to show a little skin: wear light stretchy workout gear and leave the tracky pants and heavy t-shirts in the locker room.