Top 5 Summer Beauty Must-Haves!

Posted on July 6, 2016 by neighborhoodbarre

Whether you battle breakouts, frizz, or sleep deprivation, we have you covered for a flawless Summer! See below for our top 5 must-haves from some of our top 5 barre-bies!

Katy:

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Must-Have: Charcoal Soap.

“I never had an issue with break-outs until I entered the downward slope of my 30s. After trying countless products, I found that charcoal soap both calmed my skin and healed my breakouts faster than other cleansers. I’ve tried a few different brands at different price-points. So far, Beauty Counter is my fave because it’s not as harsh or drying as others”.

Click HERE to get a bar! They also make a mask!

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Hallie:

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Must-Have: Dove Mousse For Curly Hair

“This is great for my curls. It doesn’t make them “crunchy” or greasy. And no frizz”!

Available at most drug stores and also HERE!

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Angela:

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Must-Have: Arbonne Cream Concealer

“I love this product because it hides the under eye circles and puffiness around my eyes from being up all night with a new baby, covers up any blemishes or spots on my face, and gives me consistent smooth coverage that doesn’t get shiny and lasts all day without needing touchups… Even through my workouts!”

Hide those puffy eyes by clicking HERE or asking your resident Arbonne Rep!

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Kim:

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Must-Have: Clarisonic Face Brush

“I love my Clarisonic brush because my skins feels so clean after I use it! It also is like getting a mini face massage in my shower! It helps to brighten and tone my skin – while also providing the deep clean I need, especially after my workouts”!

Get your mini spa experience HERE! BlueMiaLG-NEW2 (2)

Anna:

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Must-Have: Too-Faced ‘Better Than Sex’ Mascara

“I love this mascara because you don’t have to layer it on to get full eyelashes! You can add as much volume as you want, but one coat still gives you tons of volume! It’s the bomb”.

Va-voom those lashes HERE!

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What are some of your Must-Haves?! Let us know by commenting below!

Tucking For Two: Barre With Baby

Posted on March 17, 2016 by neighborhoodbarre

Who better to to ask for mommy and mommy-to-be tips than NB Nashville’s Kelly Phillips? See her thoughts on tucking for two below..

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“Barre is one of the best methods of exercise during pregnancy. You can exercise safely right up until delivery (seriously)! It is low-impact and easy on the joints and the class can still be taken ‘in-full’ with a few minor modifications to ensure both you and your baby’s comfort and safety. Plus you’re using your own body weight primarily to create resistance so you can control the intensity of each exercise.

Listen to your body and remind yourself to slow down and take the modifications in class. Always talk to your instructor pre/post class about exercise modifications. Most any exercise that is done at the barre can be done on the mat and vice-versa. Try it both ways and see where you’re most comfortable as your body grows.

Eat a small snack before exercising, such as a banana or chia bar so you’re not exercising on an empty stomach, this will also aid in reducing light-headedness and potential nausea. And make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated!

Barre exercise will keep you toned, healthy and fit pre-and-post pregnancy, as well as benefit labor and delivery. You’re strengthening not only your core and pelvic floor, but also increasing endurance, flexibility and even breath control in class.

We offer complimentary child care when you are cleared to return to exercise post-baby! Exercising releases necessary endorphins and provides that much needed energy boost when you’re exhausted and overwhelmed with a newborn. You need to take a little time for yourself daily and barre class is a perfect way to get some ‘me’ time in while also rebuilding your strength and toning your body post-baby. Plus there’s plenty of mama’s who have been there in class and it’s nice to have reassurance and advice from other clients and instructors who become fast friends at the barre!”

-Kelly Phillips

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Questions on tucking for two? Post below or email to info@neighborhoodbarre.com

Don’t forget that we offer specials on packages for new moms and those who are expecting. We also provide pregnancy modifications in our DVD workouts!

The Skinny on Snacking

Posted on February 15, 2016 by neighborhoodbarre

Keeping your diet on track during the colder winter months can be a daunting task. A cold salad isn’t quite as tempting in 20 degree temps as it is on a summer afternoon, BUT one of the best tricks to keep you from derailing and grabbing Chick-fil-a is…snacking! It is so important to keep your blood sugar levels constant in order to keep you from getting too hungry and rationalizing a not-so-healthy food option because you are quote-on-quote ‘starving’ or ‘hangry’. Through trial and error (and multiple last minute Fresh Market runs) we have found quick, on the go snack options that are satisfying and flavorful. See below to get the skinny on snacking….

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-Bars: Admittedly, it can be really tricky to find a bar that is actually good for you. Sugars can be disguised as ‘sugar alcohols’ and many bars have a not so desirable calorie and fat content. Our favs are the Chia Warrior bars (only 110 calories), because these bars are super easy to throw in your purse or gym bag and eat on the run. We feel the same about Lara Bars..undoubtedly the most desirable ingredients of any bar. The sugar content is higher then some, but its derived from dates so its all natural and easier for your body to digest. Plus, with all of the yummy flavors they offer you really can never get bored. Personal Fav: coconut cream pie! RAU_1045

-La Croix: Pretty sure our obsession with these drinks are obvious, but you really can’t beat a zero calorie carbonated beverage. We realize chugging water all day can be boring and sometimes you just want a little fizz. These are a great soda fix and they actually hydrate you, double bonus. RAU_1050

-Nut Butters: While there is nothing wrong with peanut butter, we are partial to almond butter. We LOVE Justin’s brand because not only do they taste great, but they come in size portioned packages that help you not get out of control, but are also convenient to throw in a bag. RAU_1065

-Other mentionables include: apples (a great pairing for the almond butter), clementines, raw nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds are SO good for you), eggs (think protein), guac (pre-portioned packages are the best), green tea, avocado (cut in half,add salsa, sprinkle sunflower seeds,drizzle balsamic, viola!)

Happy snacking barre-bies!

Comment below with your favorite healthful snacks!

Job Requirements: Top Knot

Posted on February 7, 2016 by neighborhoodbarre

Just in time for Monday Bunday, we bring you…. the 10 second top knot. Do you ever see the girls with the ‘effortless buns’ that you know good and damn well took them 1/2 an hour to create?! Us too, and let’s be honest, ain’t nobody got time for that. Truth be told, the perfect top knot is one that is quick, easy, and STAYS PUT while you work out.

Here we go…

Workout’s newest trend, The Half Bun. You either love it, or think it resembles your six-year old self, but here it is. (By the way, we love it and often wear it beyond the studio).

You MUST have the proper supplies. Lucky for you the only item that is slightly pricey, but also the MOST IMPORTANT is the hairspray. Aveda Air Control is by far the best light-hold spray – it adds texture, isn’t sticky, and smells delicious. As a hairspray connoisseur, I have tried too many to count, and always go back to this one. Tip for thick hair: Double up on pony tail holders on both the 1/2 and full bun so that your pony tail stays tight!
Create the 1/2 pony. You want the side parts of the 1/2 pony to hit at about the 1/2 way point of your eyebrows to prevent from grabbing too much, or too little hair. When in doubt, less is more.

3. Back-comb the pony to create texture. Split the pony in 1/2, SLOWLY back comb to create texture. This is what helps prevent the little spriggly wiggly hair from sticking out and also helps keep the bun secure.

4. Wrap and pin. The wrap might take a hot minute to master, but the key is to not wrap too tightly. Press your left hand down on the bun as you wrap with the right, simply secure with a bobby pin or two in the back, then place one pin in the very front to keep the bun flat to your head and secure.

5. SPRAY with your Aveda Air Control and voila! For added volume hold out the hair around the part and add a few sprays so that it’s not flat to your head.

And now for the main event…. THE TOP KNOT.

Don’t worry, we actually saved the easiest for last. Keys to ensuring a perfect top knot – double up the pony tail holders and make sure that your pony tail placement is on point.

Once securing the ponytail, when looking straight into the mirror, you should be able to see the pony tail holder and approximately 1 inch of volume.
Back comb the pony starting on the inside. Split the pony into two sections, SLOWLY back comb the inside of the pony, then repeat with the other half
Wrap slowly, pressing down on the hair with your opposite hand, being careful not to wrap too tightly.
Place one to two pins in the back (do not cross the pins), and wrap the tail end around placing one to two pins in the front.
SPRAY with your Aveda Air Control, and bam. You’re ready to hit the barre.

How’d you do?! Tag @neighborhood_barre and #mondaybunday to show us your effortless barre style!

photos by Sarah Rau, Social Media Specialist

New Year, New Us..

Posted on January 6, 2016 by neighborhoodbarre

The ladies of NB are bringing you a couple of our New Year’s resolutions, fashionably late of course. Apart from the overall resolution to stay faithful to our blog post in 2016 we wanted to share a few of our personal resolutions via myself, Anna, Hallie and Katy. See below:

Madison:1. be present…disconnect from technology/social media a few hours each week and weekend. Let the people I am with know the are my current priority!

2. learn to budget….still haven’t figured that one out/been able to kick my Starbucks habit, whoops.

3. travel more, there are so many places I am dying to check off my bucket list and there is no time like the present starting with a ski trip to Breckinridge, CO!

Anna:

1. eat healthier!! Sugar sugar sugar. Definitely need to cut back on that stuff.

2. get organized… Starting with my car. I live in that thing.

3. learn to cook… and not just macaroni from the box

Hallie: hallie 2

1. be more mindful of sugar … I LOVE Sugar.

2. dont drink my calories. I love water but at meals I usually want tea. Or Starbucks in the middle of the day, venti! I’ve found if I do hot water and lemon at meals I do much better.

3. meal planning… I used to be much more creative in the kitchen, now I wait to go to the grocery after my last class and just wander the aisles. So I need to prepare and play in the cookbooks ahead of time.

4. shock the body!! One thing I love about barre is it changes everyday! I want to keep moving and keep pushing my body to do more and get out of the comfort zone

Katy:
1. travel more – I have given up a lot of opportunities to see and do things over the past 4 years, which is a sacrifice I had to make to give as much of my time as possible to my business. This year I will work on balance, trust, and letting my self ‘turn it off’ (occasionally) in an effort to reduce stress and increase my mental health.

2. be more mindful about nourishing my body – i have the physical aspect down, but will work on fueling my body vs. feeding my body. We all go through ups and downs with diet, I hope to remain on the up-swing in 2016.

3. let the little things go – it’s easy to get wrapped up and consumed by meaningless annoyances and senseless negativity. Attempting to practice the art of ‘rising above’ these things, and focusing more on the big picture.

We are so excited for 2016 and what it has in store!! Let us know your goals!

The Bottomless Pit || a.k.a. Katy’s ‘Gym’ Bag

Posted on August 24, 2015 by neighborhoodbarre

You most likely will not see Katy toting around a gym bag; you will, however, probably find her with an oversized purse on her shoulder, holding all of her essentials. Amongst the crumpled Post-Its, half eaten granola bars, mail, and bobby pins (hello, Monday Bunday) you will find a few items you’ll want to grab on your next run to the store..see below:

Aveda aircontrol hairspray: perfect for a quick fluff in between classes, plus..its lightweight and smells great.

Dr. Jart Highlighter & Concealer: “I put it under my eyes to brighten me up after a long day…I should probably put some on now”- Quotes from Katy

NARS blush/bronzer combo: We can’t all have time to contour between classes, but this double duty will put the color back to your cheeks after a tired day of typing, tucking, and talking.

Daily Juice Kickstarter: made with lemon, agave and cayenne, it truly is the ‘kickstart’ you need to start your day on the right foot. Not only will it suppress your appetite and speed up your metabolism, it tastes delicious and is the original to it’s pseudo drink, “beyonce-aid”.

Macbook Air/iPhone: the Macbook’s light and portableI design makes it uber easy to set up shop on the go . You will also never see Katy without her other trusty work device – her phone! Actually, if you do, she is probably lost or been robbed, so help her.

Hermes bangle: “because everyone needs a chic accessory” – Katy

Meet Amber // Meet Amber’s Gym Bag

Posted on July 28, 2015 by neighborhoodbarre

Meet Amber//

Resident Neighborhood Barre extraordinaire and co-star of Barre Skinny Vol. 1 & 2.

Meet Amber’s ‘Gym Bag’//

Curious to see what this long-time barre-bie carries in her super chic Milly bag? Us, too..so we took a peek inside to find out!

Here are the essentials…

1. Batiste Dry Shampoo: This stuff is perfect if your locks need a refresher but you’re in a time crunch (i.e. you have dinner plans at 7:00 but you HAD to go to 5:30 barre because your sanity depends on it).

2. Chia Bar: These bars are small and mighty (only 100 calories with 4 grams of protein!). The chocolate peanut butter flavor is delicious, and the chia seeds keep you feeling fuller for longer than most 100 calorie bars.

3. Lilly Pulitzer planner: This planner is a great way to keep up with everything from work to play. *Side note- I only write in mechanical pencil…life is always changing and it’s nice to be able to erase a mistake every once in a while 😉

4. Mineral Fusion Powder SPF 30: My skin has never reacted well to facial sunscreens, so this product has been a game-changer for me. The mineral powder controls oily skin and provides protection from the sun.

5. Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads: There’s nothing cute about eye makeup running down your face during/after a sweaty workout. These pads are great at removing makeup without adding more oil to the surface of your skin.

6. Clean and Clear Hydrating Gel Moisturizer: This stuff is like a drink of water for your face. It’s a perfect way to wake my skin up before teaching a 6 a.m. class

Fighting the Headache Battle With Neighborhood Barre

Posted on July 14, 2015 by neighborhoodbarre

With Summer allergies rearing their ugly head, it’s not uncommon to be feeling a little more achy this time of year. For those of you who suffer from headaches, this one’s for you. Resident instructor Hallie Wallen shares how exercise has helped her to better cope and manage chronic migraines via NEIGHBORHOOD barre classes and their combination of:

getting my heart rate up in the always stellar warmups
forward folds and downward movements to increase blood flow
the unique workout that, in general, lowered my blood pressure through the constricting/contracting of my blood vessels

Read more about Hallie’s story here: “Living in East Tennessee you are likely to either suffer from migraines or know someone who does. East Tennessee ranks as one of the highest concentration of migraine sufferers in the country. I myself have been diagnosed with chronic migraines….. BUT I discovered Neighborhood barre and it has helped tremendously with my migraine “hygiene”. Low impact exercises (you should avoid jarring exercises such as running) that still maintain a cardio element are proven to reduce migraines. When I started coming to NB I noticed a significant decrease in my number of migraine days. Even on days when I had a migraine I still pushed myself to go to help reduce the pain. It works! I have tried other low-impact exercises and barre-based classes, but I did not get the same benefit due to the imbalance of cardio vs. strength training. Neighborhood Barre classes seem to balance this perfectly to maximize the benefits of both. Still doubtful? When I began NB I was taking more than a handful of medicine everyday, referred to as prophylactics. Exercise stimulates your body to release natural pain controlling chemicals called endorphins and natural anti-depressant chemicals called enkephalins. NB allowed me to embark on a well planned exercise program that enabled me to reduce my drug intake, particularly those drugs taken daily to prevent migraines (prophylactic medicine). Now I take only ONE pill a day! I encourage you to come try the health benefits of NB for yourself.” -Hallie

Meet Your Bikini’s Newest Friend: Beyonc-Aid

Posted on July 6, 2015 by neighborhoodbarre

Post-Fourth cookout (pig-out), we felt it appropriate to introduce you to our favorite summer vice, Beyonc-aid. The name is, of course, an ode to the Master Cleanse Diet Queen, Bey, who used this method to drop over 20lbs for Dreamgirls. However, instead of completely cutting solid foods out of the equation, we choose to be mindful of our choices throughout the day and use the drink to keep our appetite at bay.

Why we love it? It’s tasty, refreshing, and a natural diuretic to keep you from bloating in your swimmie. It also suppresses the appetite and boots the metabolism, which makes it extra useful as a morning juice. Try to drink a full serving before eating breakfast, then sip on it throughout the day to keep the puffiness away.

What you need: Lemons, a lemon press, stevia in the raw, cayenne pepper

For one Bkr bottle:

Press 2 Lemons, add 1-2 packs of Stevia, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (don’t be shy, the spicier the better).

For a full 1/2 gallon pitcher (pictured):

7 lemons, 6-7 packs of Stevia, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix, chill, and enjoy 🙂

Summer Sippin’ Without The Cals!

Posted on June 26, 2015 by neighborhoodbarre

We know all too well the struggle of derailing our diet and hard earned physique with a marg over mexican or frozen daiquiri beachside. With the help of our resident mixologist, Katy, we whipped up a few cocktails so you can have a social drink (or two) while sparing your waistline. See below….

Items you’ll need:

Muddled or torn mint (you have to at least chop or tear the leaves to get the mint effervescence to come out)
Ice
1 oz of Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka – Why we love it: it’s a hip brand out of Austin,Texas that uses REAL ingredients. This is not a simple syrup fake grapefruit, rather, it’s distilled 4x with grapefruit to give it the color and flavor). Available at Admiral Wine and Spirits at The Northshore Town Center (like them on Facebook here).
Lacroix Grapefruit flavored sparkling water or Club Soda. We recommend Club Q (also available at AWS) because there is no sodium or additives, only crisp bubbles – and a lot of them.

So tasty you would never guess it’s only 65 calories….

Never fear..if you aren’t into cocktails our FAVE beer is Skinny Dip by New Belgium. At only 114 calories a pop it packs a ton of flavor and will not disappoint!