Align Pilates® Minneapolis

Here’s a scenario. You rush from work, fight traffic and finally get to the gym with minutes to spare before your favorite yoga class begins. You rumble with minivans, Camris and sedans and finally find a spot in the most remote, uninhabited, you-might-want-to-think-about-carrying-a -knife part of the parking lot, and start your mad dash to the dressing room. You perform an adept scavenger hunt for a locker while wrestling with your purse, over-stuffed gym bag and oozing water bottle while doing a balancing act on your too-high high heeled shoes. You quickly squeeze your way in, begin unpacking and throw on your gear—just in time to toss your locks up into a loose bun and grab your mat. As you make a run for the door, you pass by the mirror. You can’t help it. So you take a look. And thank god you did. Those. Pants. Look. Awful. Every naughty nook and cranny exposed, every bulge…bulging. Plus they are way too short. Are you waiting for a flood? No. You are just waiting for someone to show you the light. Grab some shades because it’s about to get bright in here: introducing Gap’s eBalance pants. Fitted. Flattering. Fabulous. And guaranteed to give you a warm 95% cotton, 5% spandex hug in your time of yogic distress. Namaste.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. What does this Hallmark holiday mean for you? For us it means looking hot and feeling even hotter. And little else has the power to make you feel like a hot toddy than a pair of fun and flirty jammies.

The term ‘hot’ is relative, this we understand. What’s sexy to one might be scandalous to another. So that’s why we’re increasing our choices in night-time garb by levels of hotness. Do you like it spicy like Tobasco, or mild like medium-heat salsa? Pick a hot frock that that suits your mood and your desired level of caliente.

Forget boxed chocolates, flowers and cuddly bears. Wear a Valentine’s gift that’s sure to be remembered. Because if all goes according to plan, it won’t be on for long.

Hot Play pretty in pink peek-a-boo with Gap’s Open-back Cami. Warm it up with matching jammie pants, or cool it down with a pair of short shorts.

Hotter Turn it up a notch with Bloomie’s Hanky Panky. This one’s aptly named and very Valentine’s Day friendly.

Hottest Flyaway, Babydoll. Flyaway. This hot little number has fiery flirt and flare…and a little built-in air conditioning to boot. Brought to you by Vicky’s, of course

As regular gym-goers, we are constantly in search of the perfect bag to transport all of our required belongings: shoes, towel, clothing, yoga mat, water bottle etc. etc. In this quest for the idea satchel, we don’t ask for much, just functionality and a little bit of femininity. After all, the backpacks of our college days no longer make the grade, and our brother’s old hand-me-down hockey bag, although large enough to pack a whole week’s worth of workout gear, is not, shall we say, attractive. Good thing outblush has provided a ‘Personal Shopper’ solution. Whether it’s a lady-like duffle or a sophisticated tote that you seek, here are five different bags that will not only allow you to make the commute from home to work to gym without looking like a hobo, but will let you carry your belongings in the most savvy of styles. Go ahead and take your pick. One of them is bound to be your bag.

Gift boxes are a great way to say I Love You, Congratulations, Happy Birthday, or Welcome Aboard, Sucker! And like all good gifts, it’s not the box itself, but what’s inside that counts. Next time you need to send a little somethin’ to someone special, check out a Whole Foods Market Gift Box. As special someones come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, Whole Foods’ boxes come in a variety of flavors and themes. For the foodie in your life, The Gift of Grub serves up an array of scrumptious tidings. The You’re Zenzational package provides a load of relaxation for the spa lover. And no office coworker would shun a sugary “You Rock” Box O’ Choc. All boxes are reasonably priced and live up to Whole Foods standards, so you can rest assured your gift will arrive without nasties like artificial preservatives, suspicious coloring additives and hydrogenated fats. So go ahead. Let that special someone know how much you care by showing them what’s inside your box. They’ll be glad you did.

The healthiest picks for your weekend pleasures and indulgences.

Got to Have It
Women’s GOGA-GO Sports Bras

• What: Not your average sports bra.
• Why: Peak performance.
• Where: Online at Old Navy.

Bits and Bites
Slow Cooker Recipes

• What: It’s the fall season; time to slow down and eat up.
• Why: Slow and steady wins the race.
• Where: Online at Eat Better America.

Around Town
Eat Pray Love

• What: A woman finds meaning in the unplanned. You know the story.
• Why: The trifecta of happiness.
• When: Get your movie times.
• Where: A theater near you.

I Think I Can
Nike Athlete Commercial

• What: Female athletes have something to say.
• Why: It’s not a boys thing. It’s not a girls thing. It’s a skills thing.
• Where: Online at Desi Video Network.