Top Her Couture

I have graced the bikini stage in the bodybuilding world for about a decade.  As I have gone along, I have tested, tried, and got getting stage ready down to a science.  This includes tips and tricks that I still use today when doing a self-tanner at-home.  The below steps help me have an even, dark, and long lasting tan every time. Shower & Shave :  Enjoy a nice long shower and give yourself time to shave.  Shaving is a way to start the exfoliating process.  Most shave gels/creams/lotions leave a residue, so use a soap without any oils in it after you shave.  I like to use a Japanese washcloth with a little soap on it.  Liquid Dial is great as well as Liquid Sun Rayz pH Balancing Body Wash. Balance & Exfoliate :  If you use a pH balancing soap like the one mentioned above, you can skip this step.  Our body requires balance to function.  This includes the pH of the skin.  To help buffer your skin, I suggest using...

Being healthy is so important whether pregnant, training hard in the gym, or just an everyday good habit.  We recently switched our protein to PaleoPro's Aztec Vanilla Protein due to an onset of what we think are new allergies.  We also wanted better gut health from a cleaner protein.  So many brands have extra fillers and additives making it hard to pinpoint a problem if there is any and can become hard to digest. PaleoPro Protein claims: 26g of protein per serving. no dairy or whey or soy. pastured grass-fed beef. no added hormones. minimal processing. paleo ingredients. natural collagen. totally delicious. gluten free. I am not going to lie, the taste has to grow on you.  To help with the taste, my go to is an Almond Butter, Banana, Vanilla Protein Shake. Ingredients: 1 scoop  PaleoPro Protein Powder Half a Banana 1 cup of ice 1 cup almond milk [could substitute for your milk of choice] 1 tablespoon of Almond butter [could subs...

For all those beauty babes, make-up gurus, and everything in-between;  we now have a use for those old mascara bottles beyond our lashes.  We can gently wash our wands from old, used mascara bottles and send them to Wands for Wildlife.  These wands are then used on their furry friends in The Appalachian Wildlife Refuge.  It is a great way to "recycle & save wild lives!" It also makes room to try the next best mascara.  Who doesn't mind a make-up haul?! Simply wash your used wands with soap and water, dry, and send with FORM to*: Wands for Wildlife PO Box 1211 Skyland, NC 28776 * Be sure to take the package to your local usps store to ensure Wands For Wildlife is not stuck with extra postage fees.  And please no NEW wands. You can read more about this North Carolina non-profit Refuge, the Wandraiser, or how else you can help at www.appalachianwildlife.org .  For other beauty to-dos, must-haves, reviews, and more, please visit...

If the mushy, gushy commercials and store aisles full of treats and flowers are not enough, I am here to remind you; It is Valentine's Day!  Maybe it is a day you dread.  Maybe it is one of your favorite holidays.  Regardless of how you view the day, it is a day that can be used for all types of love.  One that is overlooked a lot is self love. Self love is required regardless of whether your heart belongs to someone or you are solo.  It allows us connect or even reconnect with ourselves on a very personal note.  Allowing this to happen can open new doors, insight, and promote that gravitational draw of more love into our environment.  Today is a good reminder that you are important and deserve all the love in the world. Here are some great ways to show some self-love on this Hallmark day: Mani-Pedi time Massage Go to the gym Take a nap Take a class whether Yoga or Art do something that interests you Do something off your Bucket List Bu...

It's that time of the year for Pumpkin Spice and everything nice!  For a limited time , Lenny & Larry have released a whole mouth full of nice.   Enjoy 20% off your entire order by using  BA78787 at check out - For New Customers Only! If you are already a cookie monster, enjoy  $10 off $50+ order, code:  10AMB50 , $20 off $100+ order, code:  20AMB100 , or $40 off $200+ order, code:  40AMB200  by going to Lenny & Larry's . Hurry before their pumpkin patch is empty!

PASSION - A word thrown around amongst self-help books and sometimes deemed unrealistic.  As if we were on a quest for the Holy Grail or a Unicorn.  Most of us seek passion in one form or another yet have trouble connecting with that passion.   Thanks to Adam Rubin, the co-founder and executive director of Renew, an international nonprofit bringing personal development to adolescents around the world.  He has given us a few tools to help us discover what our passions are, connect with those passions, and lead a more fulfiling life. Expand Your Horizons.   Traveling is a great way to open up into a world of learning and experiences to drive fresh perspective and self discovery.  If you are having trouble connecting with your passion, maybe you just have not found that passion yet.  That is ok.  Take steps to get outside your comfort zone and go on adventures! Reflection.   Let your struggles and pain...

    +   + = PB & Jelly  CALORIES 157  |   FAT 4g  |  CARBS  20g |  SUGAR  0g  |  PROTEIN 15g *1 wrap, 1 tsp bolero, 1 tbsp pb    + = Peaches & Cream CALORIES 161  |   FAT 0g  |  CARBS  16g |  SUGAR  12g  |  PROTEIN 20g * 1 tsp bolero, 1 cup CC + + + = Banana Walnut Pancakes   CALORIES 332  |   FAT 16g  |  CARBS  30g |  SUGAR  2g  |  PROTEIN 18g *1/2 cup oats, 1 tsp bolero, 1/4 cup walnuts, 3 egg whites +    =Berry Parfeit   CALORIES 171  |   FAT 0g  |  CARBS  16g |  SUGAR  8g  |  PROTEIN 22g *1 5.3 oz bowl, 1-2 tsp of Bolero  Go to BOLERO  and enter HYDR8AV at check out for 10% off every order made!   

Two years ago, I was introduced to Bolero and never looked back.   A brilliantly low calorie way of boosting your water intake,  Bolero can be mixed with tap, soda, or sparkling water to make  a refreshing fruit drink that’s bursting with vitamin C, but totally  sugar-free.  It is also a great add-in for baking. I use these through out my competition prep to keep me hydrated and bake what otherwise would be bland, tasteless food.  It is also my go to re-hydrate post show.  I keep a couple 'sticks' in my purse at all times. Increase your H 2 O intake with a burst of Bolero,  great-tasting fruit flavors from the experts in hydration.   Available in family size and on-the-go sachets, they’re convenient to carry, easy to mix  and utterly delicious! Whether you’re working out, or just out and about, Bolero makes it  easy to stay hydrated and refreshed.    SHOP NOW  and t ake 10% off every order by simply using HY...

1 tsp Blueberry Bolero 3 egg whites 1 cup rolled oats Pam Spray Combine oats and Bolero into mixer.  [we use a ninja] Turn on until oats are a flour like consistency Combine mix with 3 egg whites Whisk until combine Heat skillet on medium heat. Coat skillet with Pam Spray Place mixture in pan. Cook until both sides are golden brown. Not a blueberry fan, replace with any other Bolero falvor - strawberry, hibiscus, banana, etc.  This makes 1 pancake serving.

Most people have no idea that many things associated with smell also make great flavors.  More and more edible flowers are popping up in culinary creations.  Lavender Ice Creams.  Marigold Lollipops.   Hibiscus Frostings.   These fragrant and edible delights go beyond the sense of smell and can add a pop of yum to your palette.  I use a variety of Bolero flavors as well as steeped dried buds one can usually get at any natural or whole foods grocery store. Rose Jello 1 Packet Rose Bolero 1 Packet of Knox Gelatin 4 cups of water [pre-mixed Bolero] 1. Stir until dissolved 1 packet of Rose Bolero into pitcher of water [about 1.5L] 2. Follow Instructions on Knox Gelatin Box Boil 3 cups of Bolero Rose water Place 1 cup of cool Bolero Rose Water in separate bowl Sprinkle 1 Knox packet over cool Rose Water Let Sit Slowly add boiling Rose Water Stir for 5 minutes until gelatin is completely dissolved. Place in pan or setting container Put in ...

Did you know Top Her Couture has been making suits since 2011? Not only is the designer, Alyssian Vissat, a Bikini Competitor herself; she also dabbles in poolside suits and couture swimwear for any budget or event.  No matter what federation you compete in or if you are not a competitor; Alyssian has a creative edge surpassed by none! She places all of her latest creative ideas HERE .  In-stock and ready to ship! Looking for a custom piece?  Contact her today HERE ! Top Her Couture looks forward to helping you get stage or poolside ready!

Photo by J.M. Manion If you are thinking about competing in Gary Udit's 2017 Teen, Collegiate, and Masters Nationals.  Be sure you take note of the new competition order.  After receiving a great amount of feedback from competitors, the order is as such [check-ins the day before with NO CHECK-INS on Friday]: Wednesday, July 19:   Bikini/Women BB Thursday, July 20:   Figure/Women Physique Friday, July 21:  Classic Physique/Men Physique/Teen & Collegiate BB Saturday, July 22:   Masters Men BB More information will likely go out periodically at the beginning of 2017; so stay tuned!!!   There are a few rooms left with the competitor rate.  Don't get stuck paying over $100 more per night.  Mention NPC Bodybuilding. If you need to contact Gary directly, please reach out at  gary@garyudit.com.

If you didn't get a chance to watch, Top 5 bikini at the Olympia as follows: 1.  Courtney King 2.  Angelica Teixeira 3.  India Paulino 4.  Ashley Kaltwasser 5.  Jennifer Ronzitti Congrats to Top 5 and all the other beautiful women who competed. All photos are property of muscular development and are available   HERE .

If you’re like most 9 to 5ers, you become glued to your desk chair. The zoned out stare into your screen, missing lunch, ‘gotta get this done today’ brain drain. To pull you away for a moment and get the blood flowing again, here are a few tips to help keep you active at work. 1) Pre-Work Out Knowing that you are likely to be stuck to your chair most of the day, make it a priority to get active before work. Whether it’s walking the dog, yoga, weight training or a run around the neighborhood, jump start your metabolism and get your body moving before you get to the office. You’ll be amazed how much it wakes you up and helps you focus throughout the day! 2) Be A Kit-Kat Give yourself a break and get creative doing it. Many companies our now offering fit programs and in-house gyms -use them! Hire a Personal Trainer to come to you for a 30 minute Quickie . Bring sneakers, resistance bands, and/or a yoga mat to work. Chances are if they don’t have them in-house, there is a place nea...

Top Her Couture has simplified your viewing experience by: Cleaning up the clutter :  We have gone minimalist.  The easier navigation allows a straight forward experience.  No bells or whistles this go around just who we are, what we do, and how to contact us.   [A little late on the Spring Cleaning or maybe just super early?] Follow, buy, and/or connect :  We have added all the typical social media handles and included our store fronts, bidding opportunities, and creative insights.   Enjoy the new site , and we look forward to connecting with you today!

We are back in season for the 2016 NPC, IFBB, and now NSL [ Nspire Sports League ].   Beginning Feburary, I will be taking custom suit orders for April Shows.  Spots are limited! Be sure to check us out on FACEBOOK , EBAY , and our WEBSITE !  We also have apparel at CUSTOMIZED GIRL . I look forward to helping each beauty get on stage and being part of their process!

The works suits average $1000-$1200 Basic suits start at about $135-$175 Want to compete?  You have heard that it can be pricey but might be a little blindsided by exactly what details will cost to get you looking your best on stage. C heaper is NOT better :  Many people look for a bargain when it comes to getting ready for the stage.  Cutting costs on any part of getting stage ready can leave you wasting money.  I have seen my fair share of make-up gone wrong, suits not fitting correctly, awkward posing, and tans too light. Do your research :  Look through their portfolio.  Do not hesitate to contact them and ask a ton of questions.  Find someone who fits your style.  Not all designers, MUAs, trainers, etc will see your vision nor are all of them well versed in what belongs on stage. Registration Fees :   $75-$300 - depending on what show you are doing, local or national, the fee for each class is required. NPC C...