Deals and Specials.

Stock up on your favorites!

• Gap! Gap cardholders can enjoy an additional 30% off of their purchases. Gap is located within The Court of the Mall.
• dELiA*s! All jeans and pants are buy one, get one half off. You can also enjoy 30% off of coats! dELiA*s is located within the Plaza.
• Nordstrom! Stop by their Half Yearly Sale and you can save up to 33% on new boots, a new Winter coat, or a new handbag up until 11/21. Nordstrom is located within The Plaza.
• Payless! For those of us looking for more budget-friendly shoes and accessories, check out their BOGO (Buy one, get one half off sale) sale up until 12/31. Payless is located within The Plaza.
• American Eagle! Flannels are $24.95 and flats are $5 off. American Eagle is located within The Plaza.
• Williams-Sonoma! Who doesn’t have a panini press on their wishlist this year? It’s the perfect time to surprise the cook in your family. Or yourself, as this will make quick, easy, and delicious sandwiches a snap.  Whip up quick and easy dinners on the easy to clean and easy to use Breville Ikon Panini Press for only $79.95. But, hurry. This sale is only for a limited time until 12/3. Williams-Sonoma is located within The Plaza.

Also, I recently heard on the Mall’s Website about the recent SEPTA strike in Philadelphia. For employees and shoppers who use SEPTA to get to the mall, I hope these alternative routes will help you.

R6 Norristown Line (this line WILL pick up/drop off at all Center City stations)
Transfer to the Norristown High Speed trolley line at the Norristown Transportation Center
Take the Norristown High Speed trolley line to Gulph Mills
Take the Route 125 bus from Gulph Mills to the Mall

Alternative Route #2

Take the Norristown High Speed Line from 69th Street Station to Gulph Mills
At Gulph Mills, transfer to the Route 125 bus to the Mall

Note: However, there will be no service running from Philadelphia to 69th Street.

These directions are courtesy of the Mall’s website.

Weekly Style Tips

Capture the magic in each day. Credit: Vogue

At Disney World, cast members always ask how they can make a visitors day more magical. But, you don’t have to just go to Disney to enjoy a magical vacation.

Let’s start a new style trend that everyone can participate in. It requires love and joy to pour through your heart and seep into the hearts and minds of others. Best of all?  It will be the little things that you do each and every day that can really add up towards a phenomenal year.

I’ll get you started with some style tips below:

November 1st:

Devise fancy outfits to do generic things like going to the market or running errands. Test out those new kitten heels while you shop for pasta or tie a bold pashima around your neck when you have to run to the bank or the post office. This will save you from pulling on a pair of sweats. Sure, sweats may be our old reliables for comfort, but taking these few steps to doll up teaches us to look our best for whatever the occasion. You never know when the right one will pop up!

November 2nd:

Smile at strangers when you go about your daily day. Go ahead. I dare you.

November 3rd:

It’s Election Day. Last year’s event for the Presidential nominee may have been huge, but this doesn’t mean that this year’s election day isn’t just as important. I hope you got out and made your vote known. Also, help someone in need and offer them a ride to their registered polling station if they need one. Don’t forget to pick up your “I Voted” sticker on the way out!

November 4th:

Are there any baseball fans out there?   The Phillies take on the Yankees in Game 6 of the World Series this week.  Throw a pizza party, pop some butter popcorn, and root for your home team.  Regardless of what happens, they are our two year defending series champs.

November 5th:

You may be able to reduce your SPF, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp out on the sunscreen entirely. Cover up all visible parts of your epidermis and stay protected and healthy.

November 6th:

Take the word BELLATRIX (It’s Latin for “female warrior”) and use it as your motto for the rest of the week.

November 7th:

Don’t be too perfect. It was even emphasized in American Vogue this month,  that it would be considered boring if we all donned flawless faces and perfect lives. Even though you should always strive to look your best, don’t worry if at least one part of it will always feel off: You might have a few flyaways in your hair, your out of so and so in your makeup stash, or something doesn’t match. If you try without trying too hard, you won’t look bad but genuine and better.

 

Inspiration for this post has been credited to iCiNG (http://www.galadarling.com) at her blog.

Yoga Poses of the Week – Back and Neck Pain.

 

Think about your daily schedule. With the increasing use of computers, desk work, writing, eating, and time spent in traffic, it’s hard to avoid the aches and pains that can be associated with neck and back pain.

It can start as a nagging pain in your shoulder blade that won’t go away that can send referred pain down to your back. Or your neck can feel chronically tense from doing any of the above activities. This is because most of our daily activities are done in front of us while seated. Gravity takes over and the shoulders lean forward, our chest becomes constricted, the head juts out, and the upper back becomes stretched out or rounded.

The result is tight pectorals (chest muscles), shortened neck muscles, and weakened upper back muscles. These smaller muscles aren’t designed to be postural muscles but they have to kick in and keep our bodies upright. The solution is to fix the problem, not the symptoms.

If you can clear your schedule, running and/or cycling is a good hobby to take up to stretch these muscles. If you cannot clear these muscles, you need to focus on stretching all of these muscles, anyway. If you stretch the upper back but not the chest, you’ll still find yourself in the same faulty posture as before.  Once you open up the chest and stretch the neck, you’ll be ready to stretch the upper back.

Yoga is key for neck and back pain because it helps relieve pain tolerance as it stretches out the neck, shoulders, and upper back.  Take note of these ideas below that you can easily perform at or away from your work desk.

Postural Awareness and Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is the first step to relieving neck tension. To begin, using the diaphrapm, sit upright at the edge of your chair with your feet planted firmly on the floor. Keep your knees below your hips and complete a full breathe for ten repetitions. Feel your belly rising into your hands as you exhale and feel it fall. Notice any tension in the neck and relax those muscles.

Also, bring your awareness to the front of the chest and the collar bones. Broaden your collar bones so the front of your chest lifts up. Drop your shoulder blade towards your ears and lift the crown of your head towards the sky.

Pec Stretch

You’ll want to focus on your chest muscles now. Stand alongside a wall and lift your arm toward 12 o’clock, lowering it to 1, 2, and finally 3 o’clock at you go. Take a deep breath as you rest your other arm on your rib cage, pull the rib cage forward, but don’t move your outstretched arm. You should feel a stretch in your shoulder down to your arm. Hold for six deep breaths. Repeat on the other arm.  But, if you feel tingling in the arm, discontinue at once.

Upper Back Stretch

This upper back stretch is going to seem like last week’s yoga pose when we discussed downward dog. But, this is more of a downward dog towards the wall. Stand facing a wall with your arms at waist height. Walk your feet back into a table top position with your feet directly underneath your hips. Lift the sitting bones towards the sky as you press the hands into the wall. Feel as if your heart is melting towards the floor. If you feel a great deal of stretching in the hamstrings, keep your knees slightly bent.

Hold for six breaths, focusing on opening the chest and lenghtening the spine.

Yoga can help build up your pain tolerance as you consistently work these poses into your regimen. You should be getting up every hour to stretch, even for a minute or two. Think of it as defeating gravity so you can stand tall, proud, and pain-free for life.

Baby, it will be cold outside!

I hate to break it to you angels, but it’s going to get cold sooner or later. And not just forty degrees cold. That isn’t cold enough for water to freeze and turn into snow!  Snow!?  Oh, you better believe it’s coming!   I’m talking about twenty degrees or maybe so many degrees below zero.  Sure, your Snuggie may help keep you warm and toasty inside.

However, what are you doing to do when you step outside?  No worries. These must-have items below will you keep you toasty through those chilly Northern winters.

The temperature outside is frightful, but these must-haves sure are delightful!

Gap Fringed Merino Wool Scarf, $24.50

One of my favorite things about bundling up is getting to wear my scarf again. A fine cashmere speaks volumes in comfort, but I also like merino wool which provides great insulation from the cool, even when wet during inclement weather. And merino wool stretches far beyond scarves. Look for it in jackets and sweaters to socks. Plus, the thick knits of wool helps you ward off cold and flu season! (Bonus)

They’re are also great cruelty-free wool alternatives too. Look for cotton flannel, polyester fleece, synthetic shearling, and Tencel (which is a breathable, durable, and biodegradable wool substitute)

North Face “La Fonda” Jacket, $299

Winter Sports, anyone?  Whether you’re coasting down the slopes or doing figure skates on the ice rink or simply just going sledding, you’ll need something resistant to the cold weather elements to keep you comfortable and warm during your time. A quality outerwear parka comes with a hefty price, but it can last you for quite a few years.  North Face is your best bet for all-sport and all-terrain choices.  However, if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, try Columbia or the Outerwear section of American Eagle Outfitters.

Banana Republic Classic wool-blend coat, $198

A lady should have at least two quality coats in her Winter Wardrobe.  The first is an outerwear parka to take her to the slopes, but the second is a peacoat to take her to school, business meetings, and dinner. I loved the classic trench coat style that I’ve seen at Banana Republic, but I think  this wool blend is much more appropriate for the chilly temps.  And it looks chic too!

Ugg Classic Cardy Boot, $144 (at Zappos.com)

Fear not, you don’t have to slip into heels for work when you can just pick out a boot with a bit of a wedge from now on. There’s a boot to fit every occasion, if not just because. Oh, we know – just because. Uggs are definitely one of those “just because” boots that have swept the nation by storm because of their comfortable insulation.

Truthfully, I’m still not feeling the Classic Ugg Boots. But, it doesn’t stop there. The unisex brand retails in different styles to appeal to all. I really adore the Cardy Boot which comes in a rainbow of colors  even though I think I’m just going to stick with grey because I know it will go with everything for my “just because” mood.

Trip Planner

I recently visited by the Mall’s website (http://www.kingofprussiamall.com) where I spotted a new addition to their site. It’s called Trip Planner and it’s meant to help you find what you’re looking for at the mall. Just plug in what you’re shopping for and Trip Planner will find the quickest route for everything you need without walking through the entire mall to get there. The only bummer is not walking through the entire mall to get there. But, I can guarantee that your feet will thank you for that.

 

 

Yoga Pose of the Week: Downward Dog.

Photo Credit: Google

Ado Mukha Svanasana (AW-Doh MOO-Ka Shvan-Ah-sa-na) is also known as Downward Dog to most yogis. Downward Dog may remind us of the positions that our dogs and puppies take during the course of their day. The dog’s rump is high in the air and their paws are outstretched. Their postnap stretch is very similar to this yoga pose which requires the body to be diligent and patient with itself. Downward Facing dog teaches you the push-pull dynamics of yoga where movement in one direction is balanced by action in the opposite direction. With push-pull dynamics, you are simultaneously creating strength and flexibility, extension and stability.

Benefits

Downward Facing Dog tones the upper back. It has several benefits including:

• Relieves stress and mild depression
• Energizes the body
• Stretches shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches, and hands (Great for runners!)
• Strengthens the arms and legs
• Can relieve symptoms of menopause
• Helps prevent osteoporosis
• Improves digestion
• Relieves headache, insomnia, back pain, and fatigue
• Therapeutic for high blood pressure, asthma, flat feet, sciatica, and sinusitis

Contraindications

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (For mild wrist pain, however, you may want to try resting your hands on the table, but as if you’re going to pick something up with the pads of your fingers. Press into the table for a few seconds and repeat a few times.)
• Diarrhea
• Late-term Pregnancy
• High blood pressure or headache (Support your head on a bolster or block, ears level between the arms when doing this pose)

Proper Form

Form is essential when you want to achieve optimal results in yoga and exercise, in general. To build the proper foundation, come on all fours like a puppy. Place your knees right under your hips, making sure that you have fully extended your spine. Place your hands on the mat, shoulder-width apart, and lightly spread your fingers. Make sure your middle finger faces directly forward. Connect all of the joints in your fingers and your inner and outer palm to the ground.

Lift your pelvis to the ceiling and draw your hips back, and look at your feet. They should be hip distance apart, along with your pelvis. Your heels may or may not touch the ground, and that’s okay, because you want to feel that you have room to grow in this pose. It’s important to make sure you have the right form otherwise the pose becomes unstable (you’ll end up wobbling), your joints become stressed, and your organs become compressed.

Downward Dog can be a very relaxing pose. To obtain the blissful benefits, you need to shift your weight back into your hips. Bend your knees so you can stretch back into your hips by pressing into your hands, extending your arms, and pulling your tummy in slightly. When you get that “Aha” moment, it will feel as if your weight is solely centered in the pelvis and your arms will feel lighter. If you have tight hamstrings, practice this pose for a while longer, gradually straightening your legs as if a strong wind was pressing your thighs and shins back.

Also, align the crown of your head with the natural line of your spine. If you tilt the crown of your head up, this crunches the cervical vertebrae of your upper spine. Allowing your neck to head to drop forward provides for a nice stretch but can stress your neck too. The key is to align your ears with your upper arms which should connect your head with your spine.

On the inhalation, emphasize the broadening of your shoulders and extension through your arms to bring more space into your lungs. As you exhale, focus on the movement (of breath) of your legs down to your shins and heels. As you relax, you’ll realize how nourishing this stretch can be. All of the actions of this pose and your strength and flexibility will become more natural with practice and patience.

Safe Trick or Treating for Children.

Photo Credit: Google

Safe Trick or Treating!

In an effort to promote safe trick or treating and get a sweet tooth fix, King of Prussia Mall will be hosting Mall-O-Ween for your children this Saturday. Make sure your children come in costume and pick up a Mall-O-Ween map as you all follow the trail of paper jack-o-lanterns along the way to visit participating retailers.

For: Children only.

When: The festivities kick off from 10am until 1pm at the Mall. BEN-FM will be performing live at the JC Penney Court in the Plaza’s Lower Level where the Mall-O-Ween event will be headquartered.

Where: Easily accessible off Route 202, I-76, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, King of Prussia Mall is located within one mile of Valley Forge Historic Park and Valley Forge Convention Center. The mall itself is located at 160 North Gulph Road in King of Prussia, PA (Zip: 19406)

Additional Information? You may visit the mall’s website (http://www.kingofprussiamall.com) or contact Lindsay Thompson at 215-790-7824

Have fun!

Would you wear…Olsenboye?

Photo Credit: Google

Raise your hand if you remember Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen from Full House. The twins themselves have grown into media powerhouses and style icons and that speaks volumes from their fans who have been following them for much longer. Both of their fashion lines, The Row (Ashley Olsen) and Elizabeth and James (Mary-Kate Olsen), have been so successful that the twins plan on taking another hit.

Photo Credit: Fibre2Fashion.com

Enter Olsenboye. Olsenboye will be an economical line of casual sportswear and accessories for teenagers at JC Penney.

Olsenboye is named after the Olsens ancestral name and plans to bring sophistication and aspiration to their Juniors department while offering young customers new, fashion-forward merchandise at budget friendly prices. The brand will be targeting teen trends around the world, providing the Juniors customer with constant changes for fresh, fun-spirited, and edgy new looks.

Olsenboye will make it’s first debut in JC Penney on November 6th, with a full launch during the Spring of next year. Keep your eyes peeled!

Deals and Specials.

Photo Credit: Vogue

Check out what some of your favorite shops have in store for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and maybe pick up on that last-minute Halloween costume too!

• Debbie Brooks! Debbie Brooks has partnered with the Susan G Komen (they sponsor breast cancer research) Foundation to create the perfect handbag. If you purchase it, you will get $25 off which will be automatically donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Savings couldn’t be sweeter up until this Halloween on this offer. Debbie Brooks is located within the Plaza.
• Hide Out! Hide Out unleashes the Power of Pink promotion this month. Certain pieces of jewelry featured include the Power of Pink Badge Holder and a Power of Pink bracelet. For each piece of jewelry sold, Brighton will donate $5 to breast cancer research. But, hurry. Supplies are limited and this offer is good up until Halloween. Hide Out is located within the Plaza.
• Life Uniform! Purchase $75 on your new work wardrobe and you can receive $15 off. This offer is good until October 31st. Life Uniform is located within the Plaza.
• Kate Spade! Students can still enjoy 10% off of their purchase once they show their valid ID. This offer is good until December 31, 2009. Kate Spade is located within The Plaza.
• Nine West! According to Nine West, “Friends that Shop for Shoes Together, Stay Together”, and now is the perfect time to round up a few of your besties to hit up NW this Thursday night. You can enjoy 15% off your shopping purchase. Call or visit Nine West to reserve your spot for October 29. Nine West is located within the Plaza.
• The Body Shop! Stock up on moisturizer to combat dry skin this Winter. The Body Shop is having a sale on body butter – $2 for $30 now up until November 8th. The Body Shop is located within The Court.
• Wet Seal! Last minute shopping for Halloween? Stop by Wet Seal and check out their 20% off selection of Halloween costumes. Wet Seal is located within The Plaza.

That’s all for now. Have you been to the mall lately? Have you heard of a good sale?  Give us the scoop and let us know in the comments!

Yoga Pose of the Week.

Inverted Leg Stretch Pose

Photo Credit: Google

Yoga is a very relaxing hobby and workout pursuit. One of the health benefits of yoga can be related to our cardiovascular system, as anyone struggling with any cardiovascular issues (such as hypertension) can partake in the benefits:

• Yoga can reduce blood pressure – When the amount of pressure in your arteries ever reaches 140/90, this is noted as hypertension. Symptoms can often range from mild headaches, ringing in the ears, giddiness, hazy vision, and disturbed kidney function. If you let it go, you can be setting yourself up for heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage. But, early detection is key and yoga is can help bring and keep your blood pressure down by promoting better circulation and oxygenation throughout your body.
• Pulse Rate – If you have a slow pulse rate, this is a good thing. A slow pulse rate dictates that your heart is strong enough to promote blood which will provide circulation and oxygenation throughout your body so there can be a healthy equilibrium between your organs and your body can work properly.  If you practice yoga regularly, it can provide a slower beat.
• Circulation – The organs of your body (the skin and brain included) need nutrients and oxygen for it to function properly. Yoga improves circulation which can help transport nutrients and oxygen throughout your body.
• Cardiovascular endurance – A lower heart rate and improved oxygenation can boost your cardiovascular endurance. More energy!

There are two things that you’ll want to remember when controlling hypertension as you practice yoga. The first is rhythmic breathing. For anyone that has ever taken an aerobics class or has worked out before, you’ll know that breathing is very important as it nourishes the body and calms the mind. But, there are so many people who don’t know how to breathe.

Wait. Are you kidding me?  I need to learn how to breathe.

What is this!?

I mean. What!?

Chill.

It’s not that you don’t know how to breathe or if you’re doing it intentionally. Many of us might take long, fast shallow breaths that are often choppy as a result of rushing into yoga class or placing our bodies on our mats but our minds elsewhere. This is normal. We all have be somewhere in our lives, but the most challenging aspect is to stay centered in the present. The key to optimal breathing are long, slow breaths.  This results in a full exhalation beginning with your upper chest, proceeding down to the middle chest and to the tightening of your abs. Try it now and practice it for a few breaths or when you’re stressed.  Full breaths are crucial to focus through the poses and  in order to deliver oxygen-rich nutrients throughout your body.

Most yoga poses that you’ll want to focus on are the ones that boost circulation. This is why inverted yoga poses are best for you.

In inverted yoga, the legs and abs are placed higher than the heart. Lengthening up through the legs and keeping them active so your spine and your entire body can open throughout the pose. One reason for this is because the force of gravity is reversed and venous return (circulation) becomes greater.

Normally, the calf muscles and skeletal muscles must contract in order to receive unoxygenated blood and waste back to the heart through the veins. In inverted poses, gravity causes the blood to flow back easily and quicker back through the veins and keeps the circulation in the feet to a minimum. This also gives the skeletal muscles a chance to rest.

Inverted poses can also relieve  swollen feet, ankles, and varicose veins as the poses can also drain the blood and waste from the lower body back to the heart.

One of the best inverted poses for hypertension (or during menstruation) is the inverted leg stretch pose. This is the same pose from the picture above. All you need is a mat or a towel and a wall.

1) Lie on your back, resting your head on the mat or towel, and keep your lower back and hips elevated. Rest your hands by your sides, palms resting flat on the floor.

2) Slowly raise your legs up together, to a 30 degree angle, without bending the knees. Use a wall for support, especially if you’re a beginner.

3) Hold your hips with your palms and support yourself with your elbows on the floor.

4) Raise your legs to sixty degrees. And then ninety degrees. Stay for a few breaths or if it becomes too challenging for you, begin to come out of it. To come out of the pose and return to the original position, first bend your legs towards your head. Bring your glutes slowly to the ground and straighten out your hands and legs.

Contraindications (for Inverted Leg Stretch Pose)

• For those who just started their menstrual cycles – Do not use a bolster or anything to elevate your body. Try a blanket to provide cushioning for your body.
• Although hypertension is generally safe for this pose (avoid shoulder or head stand), you should make an effort to inform your doctor of any recent lifestyle changes.
• Avoid this pose if you suffer from glaucoma.
• If you are recovering from surgery or any recent injuries, ask your doctor before you proceed with caution.

What/When should I eat before my session?

Based on your lifestyle and when you practice yoga, it’s not uncommon to wonder when and what you should eat before you practice yoga. Before you practice yoga, your diet should be very light if even vegetarian or vegan. You should avoid anything that’s too saucy, spicy, or oily three to four hours in practice, otherwise it will be much more challenging to concentrate on the poses during your session.

I personally prefer to practice yoga in the morning on an empty stomach, so my diet will not interfere with my concentration. But, everyone and their lifestyles are different. If you can’t practice in the morning, I would advise that the best choice is a light snack consumed within three to four hours before your session. This light snack can consist of almonds, pretzels, soy milk, fresh fruit (non citrus), a sports bar, cereal, or a bagel.

Still saving up for your first Jimmys?

Photo Credit: H&M

Manolo. Jimmy. Christian! The following have swept the fashion industry and shoeaholics alike – by storm.  It was no surprise that these beautifully crafted details were going to rest on a Neiman Marcus display for long. But then again, and unless you’re not making six figures or higher astronomical dollars, they may as well just sit pretty.

Regardless of whether it be a local sample sale or an H&M, fans of fashion will often flock elsewhere when the boutiques and department stores disappoint. Case in point: H&M. H&M has become a fashion mecca on a wallet-friendly budget. It’s a nice store of being able to find that one shirt or skirt or that one necklace or those earrings, that can just make an outfit pop in a fun and stylish way. In order to keep things fresh and up to date, the international chain has collaborated with such well-known designers as Stella McCartney (2005), Viktor and Rolf (2006), Roberto Cavalli (2007), Rei Kawakubo of the avante-grande Japanese label Commes Des Garcons (Fall 2008)

This has led up to quite possibly one of the most anticipated collaborations to date: Jimmy Choo (November 2009)

The British accessory brand is well-known for it’s shoes and handbags that have become an iconic stylish essential from the red carpet to shoeaholics in general. The details provide an air of glamorous appeal to them that add that special touch for that red carpet premiere or that special night out.

And regardless of whether or not you’re red carpet ready, everyone deserves to look very nice for their special night out.

Tamara Mellon, the President and Founder of the brand, is very excited about Jimmy Choo’s collaboration with H&M…

“We are privileged to be among the fashion greats who have been affiliated with H&M so far, and to be designing a collection appealing to fashion savvy, street smart women, and to be including some great pieces for men, too. Jimmy Choo will bring to H&M a sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible and glamorous collection – the perfect party pieces to buy now and then wear out that night!” - As stated to H&M.com

Jimmy Choo for H&M will make it’s debut on November 14th in approx. 200 stores across the world. As of today, there’s no speculation as to whether or not both H&M locations at King of Prussia Mall will be among the 200 to receive the collaboration. For now, the closest stores to King of Prussia Mall that will receive the collaboration are among the H&M locations in New York City below:

NYC locations with the Jimmy Choo Collaboration

640 5th Avenue & 51st Street, 86th Street Manhattan, 435 7th Avenue at 34th Street, 731 Lexington St and 59th Street, and Herald Square.

I’d imagine that more stores will be able to receive the collaboration as popularity grows. Everyone will be able to have their Jimmy and wear it too within time.

Thoughts?

What do you think of Jimmy Choo collaborating with H&M? Are you excited?  Let us know in the comments!