Top Her Couture

Let me start off with saying this is my story.  It is not meant to sway anyone, be a political initiative, or judge someone that may have a different experience.  It is based on my experience(s) from my perception backed by facts and personal research measures. I have the opportunity to go to an event out of state.  It was a lottery system, so you can imagine my surprise when I got the call.  As with much of the nation, this state has different COVID mandates/requirements/restrictions than my home state.  We will say they are more strict and fairly in line with CDC guidance as it unrolls. I live in a county that has had no mask mandate for months and most of our area has carried on business as usual.  Knowing our little oasis was very much ahead of even our state, it is smart to look up where you are going for their current status.  As I assumed, the state I am going to was still in a mask mandate [recently lifted].  As soon as the lift came, we r...

 I am excited to announce the launch of my Square Space store.  You will be able to continue to purchase items on Etsy, but Square has a few more features.  Now, local pick-up and delivery is an option making it a little more convenient to those closer to home.  It also has some functionality that helps simplify my Toddler bearing, work-from-chaos. It is short, sweet, and to the point . . . even more so if you are part of the Square Community. I am appreciative and grateful for the support I have already received.  I look forward to pouring out some new bikini creations in time for summer and hopefully somewhere along the way inspiring some one else to create their space.

While it is nice to stay local and cut down on expenses to compete.  Once you get to a point whether to do nationals or even pro shows; it is likely you will be jet set.  Here are a few things to help pack your bags and ensure a stress-free journey. What's food got to do with it? It surprises me how many competitors show up with no meals.  Seems almost crazy yet it happens.  Packing meals is easier than before with Meal Management bags like 6 Pack Bags .  If you insist on not taking meals, have them delivered to your hotel from a Meal Prep Company or locate your nearest grocery store for any odds and ends you may need. Pre-measure your meals a day or two before you leave. Press all the air out of the bags. Pack extra meals for post show or any other bulk items. Three ounce liquid rule applies to any condiments, PB, almond butters, honey, etc. you may want to take.  The individual packets a perfect for your carry on. Your ice pack must be 100% f...

Whether this is your first national show or fifth, here are my top tips to hit the national stage.  After competing for years, these are the things I see most often being forgotten or some competitor throwing a fit over. photo BY JM Manion for NPC News Online Budget Competing is not cheap.  Let me say that again- COMPETING IS NOT CHEAP!  Entry fees, hotel, flight, spray tan, suit, make-up, food, supplements . . . the list goes on. By the time you get your 15 seconds of glory, you will have likely spent thousands to get there.  I would not suggest cutting corners in this sport, but here are some tips to help save some money. ·         Stay at the host hotel: When a promoter releases the host hotel, they usually have a competitor rate.  Saving on average $30 per night.  Most of these rooms have a 24-hour before arrival cancellation policy and a credit card will hold the room (but not be charged until your arrival...

Competition by tophercouture   A few beauty key pieces that help me get stage ready. 1.   Tan Touch-up Kit:  I always suggest bringing touch-up.  Things can happen and sometimes the rushed nature the shows; you won't have time to wait in the host tanners line.  I bring the DIY Pro Tan Kit complete with buffing pads.  I've had issues pop up with no time to stand in the touch-up line.  This is great in those instances and allows for a flawless color come stage time.  I also use the Get Buffed regardless of whether I'm getting ready for a show or not.  Keeps my skin soft and on point year round. 2.   Make-up must haves :  Just because you have a make-up artist for a show, does not mean you should leave your make-up bag at home.  It is unlikely you will have time to go back and forth to the MUA for touch-ups, so be sure to have these key pieces- lip gloss and matching liner - I don't know about you, but come...

amBADASSador by tophercouture   Don't be just an ambassador.  Be an amBADASSador in whatever you do!   Available now at Top Her Couture Store -Men's & Women's Styles!

Bas A$$ by tophercouture Working out doesn't have to be drab.  Add a few statement pieces to help get you motivated like the new Top Her Couture flowy tank, Magical Force .   At under $25, this tank will have you sparkling in no time.  Be sure to check out the other great designs.

Originally introduced for those with active, athletic lifestyles and fitness regimens, the Freiburg Study demonstrated that the effects of the Peak Performance Pack can benefit adults of every age. In fact, initial findings point to measurable benefits in many of the body’s core systems.   Benefits in as little as 60 minutes! For nearly a century, supplement manufacturers have been saying that the benefits from supplementation are strictly long range—that the true benefits of the nutrition they offer will take years to truly manifest. Melaleuca broke that mold with the Vitality Pack 90-Day Challenge—promising you could feel a difference within 90 days. Now Melaleuca takes that promise where it has never been before. The Freiburg Study shows that many of the incredible benefits of the Peak Performance Pack are measurable in the body in as little as one hour! Think about that! Your health begins to improve within just 60 minutes! And those benefits were found in all participants, n...

Amino Blast by tophercouture   With training, comes recovery.  It is important to 'lift your performance to a higher level' with a glutamine and branched-chain amino complex.   Before I go over some cut and paste about the product, let me tell you why I like it. I have tried a plethora of BCAA/Amino powders and pills.  What I love the most about this product is its mix-ability.  If you have tried 1001 different brands like me, you will notice that a lot of the complexes leave a film, chunks, or froth after shaking.  This Amino Boost has zero!!!  I know I won't get an Amino-stache and that my full serving is going into my body.  No scrapping the sides or adding more water. I also really love its crisp and refreshing taste along with a serving of glutamine.  There are quite a few brands out there that do not include Glutamine which means you usually have to buy it separately.  It will cost you almost double per serv...

One of my favorite things about the 2014 Six Pack Bag: Renee is how many pockets and compartments there are. I found if I took out the snap in shelves, you can fit 6 meals [not the intended 4].  Travel fit! This bag is a staple when traveling as an NPC competitor.  #leadthepack Renee by tophercouture on Polyvore Renee Tote - Bags sixpackbags.com Snap Lid Containers - Set of 6 - Containers & Gel Packs - Accessories... sixpackbags.com Six Pack Bags UK sixpackbags.co.uk

Recovery Is Important by tophercouture on Polyvore We spend hours in the gym training, sweating, and pushing ourselves to the limits.  What many athletes forget is that we also need just as much [if not more] recovery.   One of my favorite mixes that helps with my recovery is Allmax Aminocore Cherry Lime stacked with their Glutamine powder.  Refreshing taste.  Can be taken pre-intra-post.   When I am trying to kick my sweet tooth I add fresh lime juice and a few drops of MIO to an ice cube tray with the recovery mix.  Mini popsicles!!! For more information about my supplement fact GO HERE

With only 16 days left to vote, I would be so honored if you could go onto Facebook and vote for my designs.   Six  Seven unique designs. Earn It Design LIFESTYLE Design WILD MIX Design FREEDOM Design Squat Design Love Design

With over 675 competitors for the 2014 NPC Junior Nationals in Chicago, Colorado came in with 39 of its best athletes to compete.  Over half of them placed top 15 with 2 overalls in women's physique and men's bodybuilding.  See their photos at www.npcnewsonline.com SharonBraso                          Figure A 12th Melissa Hauser                         Figure B NP CarieBradshaw-Malone             Figure B 4th Victoria Marie Jenks                   Figure C 3rd Olivia Moschetti                    ...

Tilapia [and/or other white fish] is a staple in a competitor's diet.  It can also be the least appealing part of the diet, but not with Cook's Catering.   Today, we take away everything you think you know about tilapia and completely change your mind.  The flavor & texture will amaze you into actually enjoying your meal.  This is not just another piece of fish. Call today for your smoked treat! Can work with any and all dietary restrictions as well as portion them for you.  Grab & go meals! www.cookscatering.co

Guilt Free Southwest Burgers by tophercouture featuring a square grill