GLOSSLAB Review

GLOSSLAB recently opened in my Washington, DC neighborhood. I’d previously heard about GLOSSLAB from a few NYC influencers I follow on Instagram, but hadn’t tried the service until I was invited as an ambassador.

GLOSSLAB prides itself on being the modernized manicure. They are hygiene first, waterless and efficient, and membership-based. They are also woman-founded, which I love.

I first tried the gel pedicure because I’m usually an acrylic girly. I was so happy with the pedicure that I switched from tips to a gel manicure with my natural nails. So I’m officially a GLOSSLAB believer.

A few things I love about GLOSSLAB:

• The entire process is easy and efficient (perfect for the gal on the go)

• Services take less than an hour

• The staff is friendly (not always my experience with other nail salons in DC)

• Completely waterless. No tub or water is used. I love this because I usually have a spray tan. They do cleanse, moisturize, and scrub.

• Gratuity is added into your total cost. A pro because it minimizes the decision making process.

• Everything is aesthetically pleasing. The pedicure chairs are comfortable and practical. A pop playlist plays the entire time. Winning.

A few pro tips before visiting GLOSSLAB:

• I recommend booking online versus walking in. GLOSSLAB is new to DC so there’s a limited amount of staff.

• If you have hard gel or anything other than the GLOSSLAB gel on your nails, you need to get it taken off at another salon.

• GLOSSLAB uses their own products.

• I recommend the membership. It’s definitely the best bang for your buck.

Interested in trying GLOSSLAB? Use code CHRISTIE20 when you book your next service. LMK what you think! xx

7 Days of Dancer Arms: Holiday Edition

Forget 25 Days of Christmas — we're heading straight into 7 Days of Dancer Arms: Holiday Edition.

Want to feel stronger (and way more festive) in 7 days?

• Give your arms a sexy sculpt

• Strengthen your shoulders, back, and triceps

• Create definition in your arms

• Listen to some classic holiday music

Only 4 minutes per day for 7 days. Grab your dancer arms weights (3lb/ 2lb/ 1lb/ Balas/ bodyweight) and get ready to rock out to your favorite holiday songs. If you can watch holiday movies for 25 days in a row, your goal of staying consistent for 7 days of dancer arms will be a breeze.

Don't forget to share your #SweatySelfie on IG Stories and tag @misschristiegirl to be featured!

Buy the 7 Days of Dancer Arms Holiday Challenge & Receive 20% Off the MCG 4-week Challenge!

Sweaty Skincare Regimen

If you have an active lifestyle, you're most likely managing sweaty skin. Here's a look at my skincare regimen and a few tips on how I combat acne and aging skin:

• Use gentle cleanser after workouts

• Ice roll in the morning

• Exfoliate at night

• Wash your makeup off at night (duh!)

• Wear a hat outside

• Wear SPF every day even when you're inside

• Shave the peach fuzz off your face. It helps exfoliate your skin and your make up applies smoother

1. CLEARSTEM Vitamin Facial Scrub CLEARSTEM Skincare is a revolutionary skincare brand that is both Anti-Aging and Anti-Acne with zero hormones disruptors or toxins. A little goes a long way with this facial scrub. Best way to scrub off the day. Use code CHRISTIEH for 26% off your order!

2. CLEARSTEM Bounceback Serum Hero product. I've used this serum every day twice per day for 30 days and have noticed a HUGE difference in the disappearance of my melasma. My NP at my medspa commented on the difference the last time I went in for Botox. Winning! Use code CHRISTIEH for 26% off your order!

3. Dr. Dennis Gross Acne Eliminating Pads Great for your skin if you're acne prone. I cut the pads in half to get extra use out of them. You will visibly see all the dirt that comes off your face.

4. Versed Keep the Peace Acne-Calming Cleanser This cleanser is not only effective, but it also comes out in a silver, glittery substance. I've used this cleanser for over a year and am seriously impressed with how well it works.

5. CLEARSTEM You Are Sunshine SPF 50 Hero product. This broad spectrum SPF is non-toxic, is perfect for acne prone skin, and has a blurring effect to reduce the appearance of pores. Use code CHRISTIEH for 26% off your order!

6. Cera Ve Renewing SA Cleanser - Non-comedogenic, non-drying, and non-irritating. Another winner for sweaty skin.

7. Elta MD UV Clear SPF 44 - I've used this SPF for years! It's perfect for sweaty workouts and acne prone skin. Does not have a white cast.

8. Kinship Brightwave Eye Cream - Kinship is a clean and sustainable skincare line. This cream really opens up your eyes for that well-rested and awake look.

9. iS Clinical Pro Heal Serum and iS Clinical Active Serum - Hero product. Expensive, but worth it. I use the pro heal serum during the day on my T zone to help protect my skin from dark spots and the active serum at night to help keep my skin clear.

10. The Skinny Confidential Hot Mess Ice Roller - One of my morning rituals is to ice roll my face. It helps wake me up before teaching an 8AM class and combats face bloat. Not to mention feels like an icy facial massage. I like to roll it over my jaw to soothe my TMJ. You're supposed to roll up your face and down your neck to boost lymphatic drainage in the body.

11. Kitsch Dermaplaning Tool Set - Say goodbye to peach fuzz and hello to baby smooth skin.

12. MCG Strong Confident Empowered Dad Hat - My fav hat to walk around DC with Prince! Now available for purchase online and in-person.

Affiliate links included.

Christie's Fall Favorites

1. CLEARSTEM Vitamin Facial Scrub CLEARSTEM Skincare is a revolutionary skincare brand that is both Anti-Aging and Anti-Acne with zero hormones disruptors or toxins. A little goes a long way with this facial scrub. Best way to scrub off the day. Use code CHRISTIEH for 15% off your order!

2. Confectionary Soaps Co: Local woman-owned business with all the best scents for your body, bath, and home. I'm currently loving the Clairvoyant candle and Autumn Breeze body wash. Use code MCG10 for 10% off your order!

3. Fashion Pass: Obsessed with this clothing rental subscription. Outfits perfect for weddings, girls night out, date night, football games, festivals, etc. Unlimited rentals for a monthly fee. Use code CHRISTIE3I for $30 off when you sign up!

4. Austin City Limits Music Festival: Christie and Mom take on Austin, TX! The Chicks, Lil Nas X, Pink, and Kacey Muskgraves were my favorite artists to watch. They were so talented and natural on stage.

5. MCG Strong Confident Empowered Dad Hat: My fav hat to walk around DC with Prince! Now available for purchase online and in-person.

Christie's Summer Favorites 💖

1. Kinship Brightwave Eye Cream - Kinship is a clean and sustainable skincare line! They've quickly become one of my favorite brands! This cream really opens up your eyes for that well-rested and awake look.

2. Calm Magnesium Citrate Supplement - Perfect for winding down before bed. Magnesium helps calm your muscles and help aid in better sleep. I'm all about it.

3. Book Lovers by Emily Henry - Emily Henry is one of my favorite Romance authors. Her books are light-hearted, fun, and super easy to read. Book Lovers is her most recent novel and I'm obsessed.

4. FP Movement - I'm LOVING the lightweight and stretchy material of Free People Movement. Next class with MCG & FP Movement is Saturday, June 11th. Book your calendars!

5. Elta MD Broad Spectrum Facial Sunscreen - I've been using this sunscreen for years! It's perfect for sweaty workouts and acne prone skin.

6. NARS Tinted Moisturizer- Classic favorite since the Flybarre days. This tinted moisturizer is great for workouts or going out to run errands or hang out with friends.

7. Ultima Replenisher - One word for outdoor workouts & activities: Electrolytes. Ultima is great for hydration and is sugar free.

8. MCG Strong Confident Empowered Hat - Grab your MCG merch for the summer! Perfect for walks, outdoor workouts, running errands, and summer adventures. The Strong Confident Empowered hat is a fan favorite! Shoutout Emily for being an amazing model!

Christie's Favorite Things this Week (4/4)

1. Salt Rock Night Light- I'm obsessed with these. I originally got the idea to put them in my bathroom to help me wind down while getting ready for bed from The Skinny Confidential podcast. I liked it so much I added another one to my bedroom.

2. NARS Tinted Moisturizer- Classic favorite since the Flybarre days. This tinted moisturizer is great for workouts or going out to run errands or hang out with friends.

3. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask- Perfect to keep your lips moisturized at night. I also wear it all day long too! It works so well and doesn't make your lips chapped like some other lip glosses.

4. Kinship Supermello Moistering Gel Cream- I use this directly under my eyes and neck! This has been a favorite for me over the winter, and I will continue using it in the spring because it's very light, but moisturizing.

5. Cymbiotika Magnesium Oil Spray- Magnesium oil has been a game changer for my neck and shoulders while I sleep! I put this on right before bed and it helps relax my muscles for more comfortable sleep.

6. Tazo Vanilla Bean Macaron- Tastes delicious and is super comforting. There's a little bit of caffeine in it so I like to make myself a cup in the afternoon instead of having a third cup of coffee.

7. Yoga Blocks- You know I'm serious about my stretching! The yoga blocks have been great for adding extra intensity or allowing for more comfortable modifications during stretch sessions.

8. Judgement Detox by Gabby Bernstein- I started this book a few years ago, but recently picked it up again and finished it on Saturday. I love the meditations and EFT tapping scripts she offers in this book. The ocean wave meditation is my favorite.

Includes Amazon affiliate links.

What To Do When You Get Bored of Your Workouts

🏋🏼‍♀️Add more weight. Even 1lb more will switch it up and get your muscles working harder. Add your Bala bangles!

🤸‍♀️Decrease stability. Try your exercises on a new surface like a Bosu ball or sand. Stand on one leg or raise an arm.

⏰ Shorten or lengthen the amount of time you spend working out. Commit to 5, 15, 30, or 45 minutes and stick with your decision that day.

🚴🏼‍♀️🏊‍♀️💃🏻👯‍♀️Cross train. Add more variety to your favorite workout. Dance, sculpt, cycle, yoga, run, swim, box, lift, etc. Mix it up! You might find something you really love. 

🏔🌤🌇 Change up your scenery. If you usually workout in your living room or gym, try working out outside

👛 Buy a cute outfit that makes you feel like the bad bish you are! Use my code CHRISTIEHOR50 for 15% your order at @carbon38. In the words of @nateflemingdc, “treat yourself, don’t  cheat yourself.” 💖

& Book your next class with the #mcgcommunity STAT! 

MCG Holiday Gift Guide

1. Bala Bangles

You've seen me use them in class and talk about them all the time! I'm obsessed. Not only are Balas super cute, but they're extremely effective. Use them for your workout regressions or progressions or spice up your daily walk. They're super easy to clean and travel with! The 1lb weights are my favorite. Get $5 off your bala purchase with this link.

2. The Patch Brand Vitamins

It's a little weird to take your vitamins from a sticker, but these babies really work! The sleep patch is my favorite. It calms my body down and helps me sleep through the night. The energy patch is perfect for those days you can't stop yawning, but still want to power through and get your work AND workout done.

3. The Skinny Confidential Ice Roller

One of my morning rituals is to ice roll my face. It helps wake me up before teaching an 8AM class and combats face bloat. Not to mention feels like an icy facial massage. I like to roll it over my jaw to soothe my TMJ. You're supposed to roll up your face and down your neck to boost lymphatic drainage in the body.

4. Milk Boss Pink Frother

You know I'm obsessed with my morning coffee! It wouldn't be the same delicousness without a frother. My favorite coffee drink this year has been pour over Starbuck coffee with honey, cinnamon, a twist of Himalayan salt, and almond milk creamer all frothed together.

5. Carbon38 Diamond Compression Set

Besides Takara Shines, Carbon38's Diamond Compression set is my favorite activewear set to workout in. The fabric hugs your body perfectly, doesn't roll, feels smooth, and doesn't cling to you too much. Use my code CHRISTIEHOR50 for 15% off your first two orders.

6. Atomic Habits - James Clear

I know this book has been on the top of the Amazon charts for over a year now, but I finally caved and started reading it. I'm obsessed. Now I'm thinking about all these systems I can implement to become my best self. One of my favorite quotes so far is, "It is a simple two-step process: Decide the type of person you want to be. Prove it to yourself with small wins." My second favorite part from the book is the Goldilocks Rule.

Some of these include affiliate links!

Why I Became a Fitness Instructor

When I worked full time in an office job, I remember waking up in the morning, looking in the bathroom mirror, and thinking, “I’m so unfulfilled. I’m not helping anyone.”

That was a tough pill for me to swallow. Eventually, I changed it.

I’ve always loved movement. I’ve danced since I was 3 years old. I was a collegiate dance athlete. I danced professionally for 6 years in the NBA. It’s always been a part of my life one way or another. 

I remember getting off work and going to take a workout class. The instructor was pumped up, having the time of her life, and encouraging people of all backgrounds and sizes to dance their asses off and push their bodies a little more than they were used to. I LOVED it. I wanted to help people in the same way. 

I spent several years working full time, dancing for the NBA, and choreographing as a side-gig before I gained the confidence to leave my full time job. In January 2017, I finally did. 

I’m so thankful for the communities I’ve been a part of and founded, the people that I’ve met, and the friends that I’ve made through movement. It has literally changed the trajectory of my life. 

Since the day I decided to go out on my own as a fitness instructor, dancer, and choreographer, my heart has always felt fulfilled and I’ve always felt like I was helping someone. Even if it was something small. I physically and emotionally feel like I’m making a difference in the world.

Christie's Favorite Fall 2021 Things

1. Red (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift

This was my favorite Taylor album when it was released the first time in 2012, and I LOVE reliving it all over again with Taylor's Version.

2. Just Thrive Probiotic & Antioxidant

I started taking this Probiotic a little over a month ago to help with my gut health. I'd listened to several podcasts with the founders and decided to try it out. I take it directly after dinner, and have loved the results so far. Better digestion, clearer skin, and less bloating.

3. Versed Keep The Peace Cream Cleanser

The maskne is real. This cleanser includes 1.5% salicylic acid and feels creamy and calming on the skin. It also has this really cool sparkly appearance.

4. Partake Chocolate Chip

These cookies are vegan and gluten free and delicious. I have a big sweet tooth, and these cookies hit the spot without making me feel like I've had sweetness overload.

5. Spirulina

This is another supplement I've added into my daily routine. I love it! Spirulina helps blood flow, digestion, and improves muscle strength and endurance. Spirulina comes in a powder or pill form, but I prefer the pill form.

6. Atomic Habits - James Clear

I know this book has been on the top of the Amazon charts for over a year now, but I finally caved and started reading it. I'm obsessed. Now I'm thinking about all these systems I can implement to become my best self. One of my favorite quotes so far is, "It is a simple two-step process: Decide the type of person you want to be. Prove it to yourself with small wins."

Some of these include affiliate links!

I'm Confident in Myself, My Body, My Actions, and My Decisions

I’ve always loved & admired Brinn Nicole @lovebrinnnicole. Brinn is an LA-based professional choreographer & dancer who instructs heels #pumpfidence classes & has danced for a long list of A-list celebs. I've admired her performance, style, & confidence (& more) since I was in college in 2013. I would watch her videos in my college apartment & try to imitate her dance style in my mirror.

In 2018, she announced that she was hosting a small group intensive for dancers. As soon as I heard that I knew I had to go. I was scared s h i t l e s s. I could dance in heels, but I had no formal heels training. I just knew that I loved her energy & her performance skills & I HAD to learn from her. I pulled out my credit card, & made the decision right then & there that I was going.

If I wasn’t stressed enough about this intensive already, I missed my first flight (LOL) & my luggage got lost on the way to LA. It was a four day intensive that consisted of mostly dancing & training in heels for 5 hours per day. 

The first day was the HARDEST. I had no formal training in heels, just a few classes prior, so my ankles were not as strong as they should have been. Dancing in heels is WAY different than dancing in sneakers. By the end of the first day, my ankles were shaking & even gave out a couple times. It was a HUMBLING experience to say the least. I kept going. I showed up the next day ready to learn & soak in all the knowledge I possibly could from Brinn.

By the end of the intensive on day 4, I was a stronger dancer, performer, & person. My ankles, & mind, stayed strong throughout the rest of the intensive. Even though I was completely out of my comfort zone & inexperienced, I came out better for it. I built confidence through inspired action, trusted my body to carry me through, acted on my desire to train with Brinn, & decided I could do it. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

We're Rebranding the #TransformationPhoto

You know I love a sweaty selfie! We're taking it's meaning to a whole new level.

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post about how working out is not about a transformation photo. Transformation photos have the reputation of being all about what you look like on the outside, and don't focus enough on the transformation on the inside. A lot of you reached out to me to let me know how much you related with what I wrote. I appreciated it so much. You're my people!

This week MCG Member, Emily W., reached out to encourage me to continue the conversation. I LOVE IT! She had the incredible idea to turn our sweaty selfies into the new, updated transformation photo.

I'm always encouraging you to post a sweaty selfie. I want you to look at it as the #TheNewAfterPhoto. Technically, your #sweatyselfie post is an "after" photo. It's after an uplifting or challenging workout. It's in the moment of when you're feeling energetic and accomplished after you take class. It's a way to celebrate yourself after the fact that you SHOWED up! YES, you did that! This is the kind of after photo that captures how you're feeling in your head and heart. This is my kind of transformation photo!

Whenever you post a #sweatyselfie after an MCG class, please hashtag #TheNewAfterPhoto as a celebration of what you just accomplished.

Thank you so much Emily for such an amazing idea!

MCG Fall Into Fitness Challenge -- 20 Online Classes in 30 Days

The Fall Into Fitness Challenge is Here!

➡️ I'm challenging you to 20 MCG classes in 30 days starting October 15th.

• Sign up for the challenge here!

• Sign up for your class membership or package here!

• Keep track of your classes here!

• Keep track on your Instagram story here!

➡️ The MCG Fall into Fitness Challenge is for you if you want to:

▪️Gain more focus in your workouts
▪️Grow stronger
▪️Commit to a workout routine 
▪️Hold yourself accountable
▪️Get more toned
▪️Get back into being active
▪️Gain more motivation
▪️Become more consistent
▪️Schedule in your workouts
▪️Feel proud of yourself!

Complete the challenge with both livestream and on-demand MCG classes. 

➡️ Challenge classes are included in the MCG Membership OR purchase a 20 class pack at 20% off!

➡️ Everyone who completes 20 classes in 30 days receives a prize! Additionally, there are 4 raffle prizes for those who complete the challenge:

▪️$100 @carbon38 gift card
▪️$100 @spiritualgangster gift card
▪️FREE Month of Unlimited MCG Membership
▪️FREE MCG private solo/group session

➡️ Make sure you record your classes on the accountability chart-- that's how challenge completion & prizes will be determined. 

Challenge is from 10/15 to 11/14. Sign ups end on 10/20. Let's do it!

Sign up for the challenge here!