Illustration of Nasty Gal Lush Life collection

Summer is pretty much here and I am inspired by the juicy and lush fruits of the season, the delicious raspberries, peaches, grapefruits and tropical humidity that we had last week – everything just seems juicier!

It’s time ladies to feel just like the ripe picks of the season that we are and just feel all around gorgeous!

Confidence boost #1. Werk that Body.  I noticed over the winter my workout routine totally took a nosedive and it really effected how I felt. I felt too tired to work out, I was eating all the right stuff but still couldn’t figure out exactly why I was feeling sluggish.

Over the last few months I decided to rev up my workout routine for the obvious reasons. Among them were to get in shape for summer, but most of all to feel good every day.

I decided to start working out in the AM instead of the afternoon or night as I had been doing for years and I noticed a HUGE difference in my motivation, my energy, my mood and more!

Side note* Ladies if you claim you have no energy or time to work out, working out in the morning is the best thing to do.  By working out in itself you actually create more energy through out the day!  When you wake up just jump into your gym clothes and get sweaty. The best time saving bonus is you don’t have to take an extra shower after your workout because your post workout shower is also the first shower of the day!

After my change in workout time I have been jumping up out of bed really excited to get my exercise in.  I end up working out more times per week and I start my day already feeling accomplished and proud of myself for ticking that off my list – how’s that for a confidence boost!

NOTHING is sexier than confidence and the toned curves you get from upping your gym time wont hurt either!

I personally workout in my living room to some fun DVD’s so I don’t waste time getting ready for the gym. If you want to save time I highly recommend it!

Confidence boost #2. Pop of color. Ok so we all have some clothes in our closet that are really bright and funky right. It’s been the trend plenty of times and for sure we have accumulated some fun vacation ready garb. Time to break it out. I don’t care if you are going to the office or only to get some groceries but forget that tendency to grab some neutrals. If you want to feel juicy and delicious inside and out add some color, even a bright lip gloss and stroll out that door. Confidence boost #2 right there!

Confidence boost #3. Unleash your inner sex kitten. Now that you are toning up and breakin’ out the brights, time to be unafraid of dressing for YOU.  You know… like you used to do when your mom let you dress yourself in pre-K.  Do the grown up version of that!  Wear fun dresses, don’t be afraid to be sexy, take fashion risks, pile on the accessories and “special occasion shoes”.  You only live once and your closet surely isn’t enjoying the clothes as much as you would be wearing them.  I am not saying to commit a fashion faux pas but stretch beyond your comfort zone and put more fun into getting dressed.  Oh, and when people ask you “Where are you going dressed like that” just smile and give them a mysterious glance.

Confidence boost #4. Taking “Me” time.  This is so important not only to cure anxiety, boost your mood and feel more fulfilled, it can actually save your life!  Taking time just for you to think or relax is crucial for women especially. It lowers cortisol levels, which is great for your immune system, weight loss, blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, decreased risk of heart disease and other diseases. Try things like reading a book, taking a walk, journaling, having an uninterrupted cup of tea, or set time aside to do something you really love.

Confidence boost #5. Feeling fulfilled.  Of course we all have projects that we wish we could do or wish we had the time to do but that are not really relevant to the demands our daily lives. When life gets in the way it’s so easy to keep pushing off the thing you really want to do most but then resentment will build up. Blocking out 30 minutes to an hour once a week or more, solely devoted to doing something deeply fulfilling will make you feel ravishing and really boost your happiness.  By slowly chipping away at the project you are passionate about and putting it FIRST before your daily grind is finished you will feel so much more fulfilled about everything in general making your other to-do’s so much more pleasant. Feeling delicious and juicy comes from the inside first so when you are really proud of yourself you will radiate confidence.

Confidence boost #6. Get your sexy on and dance. I just recently was invited to a day long conference where a few times through out the day we were lead to move and dance in really crazy ways. At first my mind was totally against it, not wanting to look ridiculous in front of other women but then I got into it (once I realized I would look ridiculous if I DIDN’T partake) and started to have SO much fun! Ladies, lock your doors and put some music on. DANCE like no one is watching (when of course, no one is watching… I’d double check on this one) and shake those hips.  Get into it, get your stress out and have some fun. By the end of it if you are doing it right you will probably be hysterical laughing or at least smiling, and either one will be a huge confidence boost.

Confidence boost #7. Work on that Posture.  Annoying as it may be, check yourself multiple times a day and roll your shoulders back. Do it when you are sitting, standing or walking and do it often. Good posture will make you look and feel more attractive, taller, thinner andddd you will breathe and actually digest your food better making you healthier which gives you glowing skin.  There’s research behind this.. check it out!

And now ladies reset and repeat. Do these things as much as possible and you will feel so juicy and delicious that your date/boyfriend/husband will find you irresistible. Just be careful… with power comes great responsibility – and you may have to try extra hard to thwart them off (or not!)

Hope that inspires you!

Xoxo

Emily