¡La Vida Es Buena . . . Vivela!

A Colombiana and a Canadian take an inside look at how Latin women can make sexy look seamless in motherhood.

Micheline and Liana meet during their expatriate relocation to Buenos Aires, Argentina. As an everyday mom of a three- and five-year-old, Canadian Micheline is tired. She hasn't peed with the bathroom door closed in years and has no idea where her workout wear is. Personal time is a vague memory and she avoids mirrors at all costs.

Liana, a Colombiana and mother of a two- and a seven-old, bubbles up. She looks as fresh as a teenager whether she is going to the gym, playing with her girls or heading out for cocktails with her husband. Micheline discovers that Liana finds joy and humour in everything--from grocery shopping to waxing to hangovers. Yes, even hangovers...Through their friendship, they realize that Latin and non-Latin women look at the world with different perspectives on beauty, exercise and mothering.

Micheline decides she wants to take a drink from the Latin cup. After years of personal friendship, humour and outrageous stories, they decide to make it a project. The Beautiful Hangover is born.

¡Vamos chicas!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Move Them Hips!

I knew that I needed to shake up my exercise routine this year. For the last year I have had the same routine - running three times a week and Power Plate twice a week.  It's been working well but it's time to mix it up a little.  I decided to hill walk instead of run.  As time goes on I can feel my knees aren't happy with jogging. And with so many knee replacements in my family I know that running was never a long term lifestyle choice for me.  I'm just thrilled that I was able to do it! I'm keeping Power Plate. And to really mix things up I've added a dance class.

I love to dance and always have.  But I like to joke that in Canada there are usually two requirements for dancing.  It's always dark.  And there is usually a bit of alcohol.  It smoothes the edges . . .

In Latin America darkness and alcohol are not required.  I can't tell you how many times spontaneous daytime dancing has erupted around us much to Michael's dismay. He'd rather wax his legs (and they are hairy!) than be forced to dance in the afternoon sun!

But even with my own love of dancing, walking into a Reggaton class at nine in the morning surrounded by Latinos in a brightly lit room isn't easy.  In moments like these I'm reminded of just how Canadian I am.  I swear that my hips don't move in certain directions!

Reggaeton is great for the core. It's all about control. As I look around the room nobody can stand still even between sets and shouts of "100% actitud!" and "floja te" meaning "100% attitude" and "keep it loose!" float around the room.  It's good fun.

I'm no Latin mamacita but I am trying. I screw up a lot.  And I'm laughing. ✿ Micheline




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