Stripper Heels, Spray Tans and Bikinis, oh my!

Yowza! Week 8 of training has come and gone. Where does all the time go? I know where it went:

~ The gym where I lift weights 3 nights a week

~ The other gym where I do cardio in the wee hours before work

~ Trader Joe's and Costco where I am constantly loading up on food

~ The fridge where I am always adding and organizing food for the week

~ Facebook where I whine and complain about my lack of social life/comfort food

~ Standing in front of mirrors quietly admiring my new muscles (keepin it real :-))

~ My BED!

I have always loved to sleep, but you never realize how important it really is until you have to set an alarm for 5:50AM. If I'm not asleep by 9:30 or 10 at the latest, the morning cardio routine just may not happen. I am soooooooooo not a morning person and I blame genetics and my warm, cozy bed.

One requirement of this training is tanning! Whoo-Hoo! Those Jersey Shore kids have nothin on me! Okay...it's not THAT extreme, but it is important in this case. I opted for the spray tan route because it's quick, looks great and does not result in wrinkles, skin damage or Cancer. If you think that all spray tans will make you resemble an Oompa Loompa, think again. If the tanning solution is good, then you will have a beautiful, sun kissed glow. PS...it also always makes you look thinner, tightens the skin and definitely enhances the muscles a bit.

My tanning boutique of choice is Honeys in Santa Barbara. The owner, Christine Starr is also training for this competition and she is wonderful. She is offering a 25% discount to all of the girls in training (listen up, ladies!!) and has a few tanning levels to choose from. I went with the dark this time around. I trusted Christine's recommendation (even though I was slightly concerned about resembling Snooki) and it was perfect. Who knew this super white girl with Scottish blood and blue eyes could pull off an "I've just returned from Carnival in Brazil" kinda tan. I'm hooked.


If you have never spray tanned before and would like to, there are a few things you should know:

1. It's done in the nude. It will appear as though the sun shines where the sun don't shine.

2. You cannot shower, get sweaty or wash your hands for 6-8 hours afterwards. Got me out of doing the dishes.

3. Clothing should be dark and loose to prevent the tan from streaking/staining.

4. Be prepared to pose as instructed by the tanning staff, which yes, does include "turn around and bend at the waist".

5. Exfoliating beforehand will prepare the skin for the tan. Dry and grody skin will eventually slough off and give away your secret.

Don't be scared to take a trip to Honeys if you want to look nice and tan in the Fall weather. The vibe is warm and inviting and Christine is great! You will stand there in your birthday suit and she will make you feel very comfortable and make sure you leave looking like you just walked out of a magazine.

I will warn you, however that your spouse/significant other will probably love the new look and will probably fully ummmmmm "support" the new tanning routine.

Enjoy!


HONEYS - 209 E. CANON PERDIDO - SANTA BARBARA - 805-963-8300