The Ultimate Spin Experience: FLYWHEEL

Flywheel Sports, the new indoor cycling studio founded by former New York Giant’s running back and TV personality, Tiki Barber, and legendary spin instructor Ruth Zuckerman, opens it’s doors next week.  Flywheel will also feature a yoga and exercise studio.

Spin-enthusiasts, cyclists, bicyclists, triathletes, (or anyone interested in trying indoor cycling or just looking to get in shape) get excited! Flywheel offers state of the art equipment and technology.  Each bike features a monitor that tracks riders rpm/cadence, resistance, and energy.  Your individual performance data is then stored and available after every ride under the ‘my performance’ page at www.flywheelsports.com.  This is a great feature for anyone in training or looking to monitor progress.

I was lucky to get a sneak preview of the facilities, and the opportunity to take Ruth Zuckerman’s Fly 45 class for what I can only describe as the ultimate spin experience.   It’s no wonder Ruth has been credited for being part of the force behind the NYC indoor cycling craze; she is amazing.  Zuckerman knows when to motivate you when you’re tired, inspire you when you don’t think you can do another second, and push you to propel your biking to the next level.  Plus, they understand the importance of

Whish it Away

What do the heroines of the hit series “24” and I have in common?  When it comes to shaving products, Whish products are at the top of our list.  In a recent letter to Whish, the ladies from the cast wrote, “We love the fact that Whish has taken extra special measures to develop these heavenly scented paraben-free, sulfate-free, and petrochemical-free, all-natural and organic-based shave creams that leave our legs feeling so soft and silky.”

My latest Whish obsession is their Flawless Ingrown Hair Serum (although I think it needs a new name since it’s so much more then just an ‘ingrown hair serum’).  It helps calm inflammation from areas prone to bumps and irritation thanks to it’s key ingredients, wheat germ (to restore and soothe skin), yeast extract (for it’s regenerative properties), and willow bark extract (which fights against inflammation).

Use after shaving, waxing, or laser, Whish Flawless is a clear serum with a smooth application, and absorbs right into the skin, leaving no residue or marks on clothing.

I first used a sample of this product while traveling to the Dominican Republic last year.  I fell victim to a cheap disposable razor and then jumped into the ocean—Oh the burn!  Whish Flawless Serum instantly soothed my skin and

Lauren Conrad and mark. Take Action Against Domestic Violence

Domestic violence comes in many forms –physical, verbal, emotional, and financial.  According to mark., ‘studies show that 1 in 4 woman will be abused by a partner in their lifetime’ and ‘currently 1 in 5 teens in a serious relationship reports being physically abused by a partner’.

mark., the beauty and fashion brand, that is all about empowering young women in both their careers and social lives, decided to take action.  In September of 2008, mark. launched their m.powerment campaign to help raise awareness and break the cycle of dating abuse and relationship violence.  The m.powerment collection, which donates all the net proceeds to the cause, consisted of the Have a Heart Necklace ($22), and Glow Baby Glow Hook Up Lip Glosses in m.powerment shades ($6) has since raised over $400,000.

Last night, Claudia Poccia, Global President, mark. and Lauren Conrad, mark. Spokesperson and Honorary Co-Chair of m.powerment by mark. launched their latest m.powerment campaign; the Have a Heart Bracelet ($12), and a Public Service Announcement, featuring Lauren Conrad.

The two, alongside Peer Educator, Kristen DeFur from the Healthy Relationship Training Academy of New York City sat on a panel for a Q&A Session to answer questions and stress that help is available.  Since domestic violence comes in multiple forms it’s important to trust your instincts and seek help immediately if you feel you’re a victim of abuse.  The most important thing is to get out of the relationship safely, and although that may seem impossible for many, counselors are

An Afternoon with WesFeld

I had the absolute pleasure of spending the day with Daniel Feld and Wesley Nault of WesFeld, their new fashion label, in their Williamsburg studio.  The two former Project Runway alums, and now design partners, are the winners of the Plastics Make it Possible fashion competition sponsored by the American Chemistry Council and Gen Art.

As winners, Daniel and Wesley received $10,000 to create and showcase their collection on February 10th, during New York Fashion Week for the Gen Art New Garde Show, hosted by Molly Sims.

When I first read about the win, it came as no surprise.  If anyone can handle plastic, it’s Daniel Feld.  Who can forget that memorable dress he made out of blue plastic cups on the premiere of Project Runway, Season 5?  I’m still blown away by it.  And with Wesley Nault on his team — oh the places they will go.

Here’s what these two lovely designers had to say:

Pretty Connected (PC): How did you hear about the Plastics Make it Possible design competition?

WESFELD (WF): Gen Art contacted us and we thought it would be a great opportunity.

PC: Tell me about the collection and the parameters given to you by Gen Art.

WF: Our major sponsor was The American Chemistry Council and Plastic makes it possible. We had to use all plastic-based materials for this collection.

PC: What was your inspiration for the two dresses you entered into the competition?

WF: The pale, pink dress was inspired by the lines of a conch shell, and the other was inspired by the skeleton of a trilobite.

PC: What was the first thing you did when you found out you won?

WF: We were very excited and started to