YAYOBA*: Love The One You're With

Image courtesy of www.thoughtimages.com

Today we were out bright and early for a Sun Run training session. OK, bright in spirit; it's still pretty dark at 6:00AM. One of our chat themes turned to all the crazy things we do to our bodies in pursuit of aesthetics and athletics.

Over the years we have experimented with different eating plans and fitness programs. We have punished our bodies in order to attain that dancer's body or that size 6 wedding dress. Our bodies have put up with a lot; isn't it time we show them a little love?

Let's be grateful for the bodies we have today. Let's look after them with how we eat and how we move. You only get one so be good to it!

*YAYOBA stands for You Are Your Own Best Accessory. YAYOBA posts feature health and fitness related topics.

Rock Your River

Photographs: goorin.com

I try to purchase at least one new hat each season. Hats are a quick and inexpensive way to add some pizzazz to your wardrobe. They're functional too!

We;re lucky because the hat masters at Goorin Brothers anointed Vancouver with their very first Canadian store. Check out their retail location in Yaletown to find the perfect spring headgear.

I'm into one of their latest styles called the River. Uni-sexy styling perfect for keeping out the spring showers.

Nothing to Wear? Solution: Wardrobe Revamp

Let's face it, most of have a LOT of clothing. Ever look into your closet full of nothing to wear? Who hasn't? Looks like a Wardrobe Revamp is in order.

Let an expert help you sort, style and spruce up the clothes you already own. The FSC Wardrobe Revamp will do exactly that: Refresh, Remix and Rebuild.

Refresh: Let's keep what works and ditch what doesn't

• Sort clothes by type
• Remove items you don't use, don't fit or don't love
• Reorganize your wardrobe by garment type (whew!)

Remix: Let's mix new, creative combinations using the clothing you already own

• Style a minimum 10-15 outfits for work and play
• Channel your inner-model as we take shots of you in your new outfits
• Create a wardrobe photo book, featuring YOU, for easy reference (to be delivered following your consultation)

Rebuild: Let's ensure you have a wardrobe that works for you

• Complete a follow-up report of recommended key pieces to purchase
• Sourcing of key pieces (if desired)

Book a Wardrobe Revamp today and maximize your style potential!

Spring Scarves

Scarves are always stylish and this Spring they're hotter than ever. Affordable and accessible, scarves are a great way to update your look.

If you're not sure how to wear this fashion item, check out some great online stylings at The Sartorialist or Net-A-Porter for inspiration. Or, move beyond the scarf to a TUBE, like these lovelies at Oliver & Lilly's (Vancouver).

Photo: Oliver & Lilly's

I Am Not A Fanny Pack

Photo: www.roots.com

Let me begin by saying, I am not being ironic, sarcastic, or otherwise insincere with this post. After recently wrapping up an excessively busy few months, I have a renewed appreciation for a much-maligned item: the fanny pack.

This highly functional and sensible item is now referred to as the "Urban Tool Belt". Many designers over the years have created versions of the Urban Tool Belt but Roots produces my favorite so far. The "Village Pack" is a leather satchel that attaches to a wide canvas belt with a cool, silver-tone buckle.

Worn facing forward, the cool factor is questionable. However, worn low and side-slung or facing backwards, it is utility-hip. This is a great item for anyone who need to be hands-free. Also useful for anyone with a tendency to lose/misplace keys, purses and wallets (no one I know!).

Roots Village Packs come in a multitude of colors but online availability is limited to brown and black.

YAYOBA: The Celine Dion Workout

(You Are Your Own Best Accessory)

The holidays are a tough time for us girls. Believe me - I'm feeling it. I'm feelin' it in the waist band. And we haven't even hit "prime-time" yet.

So to battle the holiday girth-growth, I give you, The Celine Dion Workout.

Required equipment:

• a fine pair of high heels (leg warmers optional)
• a fan (of the air-flow variety)

Optional equipment:

• back up dancers
• fans (of the hand clapping variety)

Keep fit.
Stay Healthy.
Be strong.
The Celine Dion Way.

Pouncing Tiger, Hidden Gem

Howard, The Naked Chef

Percy the Penguin

I know you ladies (and gentlemen) are eschewing the generic in favor of unique, thoughtful retailers and products this season.

I'm here to help - check out Pouncing Tiger. Jhyl of Pouncing Tiger creates whimsical, hand-stitched characters for the enjoyment of children and adults alike. Check out the character descriptions - so funny!


"Howard is looking for someone who will accept his passion of cooking naked. He wears his apron to avoid any unfortunate accidents but loves leaving his bum hanging out for all to see. His nakedness is partially to blame for his difficulty holding down a job as a chef, but probably more to blame is the fact he refuses to cook with anything but rubber chicken.

Howard is a silver fox and looking for someone that doesn't mind and old bum hanging around." Pouncing Tiger, Etsy

Pouncing Tiger is for the art collector, the young, and the young at heart.