If you’re anything like me, you ditched the diet halfway through the costume party and woke up covered in Cheeto dust. Happy Halloween! Fine—I know it’s so “two weeks ago” but the memory lingers like a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos. How are we going to fix this?

Step 1: Put down the Cheeto flavored Doritos. Changing your diet and doing nothing else can have a dramatic effect on your figure. It took me awhile to figure that out because I ended up binging on Funyuns. #Mybad.

Step 2: Fall for layers. The holidays may fill you with cheer and other assorted positive things, but mostly they fill you with turkey and ham. Ergo, you’ll love vests and button-ups. Center attention on your chest to look slim and #greatmazing.

Step 3: Take a break. You’ve been prepping for Halloweeen since May—maybe that’s just me—it’s time to let loose. A little indulgence after a drought can actually boost your metabolism and help you look fit. What?!? #Funyuns

Step 4: Buy new clothes. Nothing makes me feel better than a little attention from salespeople who are paid to pay me attention; I leave the store broke-- but feeling hot. Button-ups, vests, and halters, are the most slimming #FYI



Shoe it up, Richy T. – How many times can I mention halters?

Final Friday

It’s the last Friday before Halloween. That’s a lie; next Friday is technically “before” Halloween, but you probably know me well enough to realize that I won’t be writing an epically coherent post that evening. Instead, I’ll be writing an epically bad version of my signature on a bar tab while maintaining the persona of my costume. Normally that would be an issue for me—given the endless hours I’ve spent practicing the perfect loops of the letters in my name. However, Halloween is the exception; I look forward to it all year. So, this Fitness Friday is dedicated to the final touches that make your costume fit!

Crash diets are bad, so don’t delude yourself into thinking that you can get Halloween-ready in a week. Instead, pick your favorite (current) feature and highlight it. Like, if you have really nice ankles, tell us all about your talus with a ball, chain, and striped pajamas. You’re the hottest bandit ever.

If you have absolutely stellar abs, broaden your shoulders with a halter and, pair it with a bottom that’s bootleg or A-line. Britney? Cleopatra? Cher? Cropped and cool; that’s the way to go!

Are you more clavicly- inclined? Go for the Deep-V; take the most benign costume you can think of, and dazzle it up—or down—with a plunging neckline. You could be the hottest Minnie Mouse ever (if you refrain from yellow Crocs)!

We all want to be fit, and when it comes right down to it, (and by “it” I mean “Halloween”) you have to focus on your best attribute. That’s my attitude =)

Have a great week getting ready for Halloween. I know I will.

DazzleLove,

Richy T—Fitness focus on the positive.

I hate water. It’s gross. It’s like swallowing wet dirt, no, mud--mud would be better. Water is the epitome of flavorlessness—that’s not even a word, and yet it clearly describes the wet abomination. On the other hand, you should drink a lot of water—so that I don’t have to.

Summer may be over, but it’s gonna be a million degrees in LA this weekend (Jealous?), and while getting the latest update on the Lohan’s legal status, I hear local news reporters tell me to stay hydrated. If I were paying attention, I might also hear things like this (and respond in parentheses).

Water makes you look younger. (So does makeup. #next)

Water relieves headaches. (So do pills. #next)

Water gets rid of thirst. (So does Coke Zero. #next)

Water helps prevent cancer. (Fine…fine…that one is fine)

Water is very cool. I love to swim. I’m into mermaids. I’m a Pisces (water sign). I have an aquarium.

Water you waiting for? #drinkup

Love,
Richy T.—let’s get hosed.

Priscilla Amador comes from a family with a long history of breast cancer; she's lost her grandmother and her great grandmother. Her own mother was diagnosed--not once--but twice. The first time, Pricilla's mother received the painful news while pregnant with Priscilla’s younger brother. After both bouts with breast cancer, Pricilla's mom refused to succumb to the disease and, instead, focused on her dreams of being a dancer. Today, Priscilla’s mom is cancer-free and dancing in shows that benefit breast cancer education! Baila is inspired by her confidence and dedication to her dreams. As Cyndi Poe noted, when circumstances stand in the way of our dreams—when looking to overcome breast cancer—“hope” is all we have. We should all clutch to hope and keep on dancing while we race for the cure

Beth will be available October 1st and 10% of sales will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Beauty inspired by strength; Beth pays homage to one woman’s courageous battle with breast cancer. Beth Martinez was diagnosed at the age of 49 while serving on active duty. With her husband in Iraq and her family far away, she was forced to cope with the devastating news alone. When her husband was able to return, Beth underwent a modified radical mastectomy on her right breast and spent a week waiting to find out if the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. It hadn’t. Unfortunately, Beth’s niece was also struggling with breast cancer. Hoping to prevent a relapse like the one that would ultimately claim her niece’s life, Beth made the brave decision to have her left breast removed as well. It took six surgeries, but we are thrilled to say that Beth remains cancer-free today. ShoeDazzle is proud to offer this boot as a symbol of Beth’s strength and the strength of all women battling breast cancer.