Emily Bibb
Editorial Assistant
healthy living

One Meal Away From a Hotter You . . .

This Summer, make swimsuit season even hotter with the addition of spice.

This Summer, make swimsuit season even hotter with the addition of spice. It's true; spices curb your appetite, leading to a hotter you — no pun intended. According to Kate Geagan, MS, RD, author of Go Green, Get Lean, herbs and spices can play tricks on your sweet tooth. Adding a spicy combo to your meals expands your palette without extra calories. It may also decrease the amount of salt, fat, and sugar you use, keeping you satisfied without sacrificing flavor.

Take red chili peppers for example, research has found that sprinkling them on meals curbs your appetite because capsaicin — the heat factor — not only reduces hunger, it increases energy levels too. Try adding a spice rub to your meal's protein or a dash of cinnamon in your next cup of coffee. Because cravings are so overrated . . .

Poll

For Rent: Workout Gear?

Get this, jet-setters: aside from renting movies at your next hotel stay, you can rent workout gear.

Get this, jet-setters: aside from renting movies at your next hotel stay, you can rent workout gear. Yes, leave those kicks behind if you're planning on staying at any Westin or Fairmont Hotel, because you can now "borrow" workout apparel and footwear. For a small fee of $5 or $10, you can borrow clothing and sneakers from top brands like Reebok and New Balance. These packages include a t-shirt, capris, and running shoes in your size (the Westin program also includes new socks that you can keep). At the Fairmont, you can also request to have an MP3 player — playlists included — and a yoga mat ready at check-in.

Sure, the idea of making our carry-on light is appealing, but we're not quite sure if we're sold. Workouts involve sweating, and this time it wouldn't be in our own shoes or even pants — hmmm. But it's a cool concept, especially if you forgot something or randomly decide to hit the gym. Let us know what you think: is this service a little too good to be true?

homes

Get the Look: Drew Barrymore's Newlywed Pad

It seems fitting that Drew Barrymore, the girl next door who's also Hollywood royalty, would live in a stately, traditional home.

It seems fitting that Drew Barrymore, the girl next door who's also Hollywood royalty, would live in a stately, traditional home. Now that her country-chic Montecito mansion is up for sale, we can't help but dream about owning it. According to Trulia, this 6,000-square-foot beach ranch boasts everything from lush gardens to a guest apartment. It's already proven fit for entertaining; Drew herself got married here last year. While a cool $7.5 million isn't in the price range of most of us, it's doesn't hurt to admire — or steal the style with similar pieces found throughout this California pad. Click through to see how it's done.

Source: Trulia
workouts

Mocktails and Marathons: 5 Races to Do With the Girls!

It's time to redefine what it means to have a girls' night out — with a run!

It's time to redefine what it means to have a girls' night out — with a run! Forget heading to the movies this Friday night and start training for a half or full marathon. More like a dance party, these races take place in fun locations, require tons of girl power, and are nothing short of bright costumes. Making fun the main priority, there's no doubt this type of competitive spirit will bring you closer to your gals while helping you stay fit too. Check out the 5K, half, and full marathon races we found throughout the country; the hardest part will be deciding if you'd rather be rewarded at the finish line with bling, bubbly, or both!

  • ZOOMA Race Series: Consider the ZOOMA series your fit weekend getaway filled with “mocktail” parties, yoga sessions, and a 5K or half marathon run. Awaiting at the finish line will be wine, live music, massages, and tons of girl power!
    • Cost: Prices vary by location, but expect the half marathon to be around $120 and 5K, $90.
    • Prize: A ZOOMA swag bag and tons of free goodies like massages and wine.
    • Training Groups? Yes, find them here.
    • Locations: Annapolis, Chicago, Cape Cod, Florida, and Austin.
  • Nike Women's Marathon: The largest women's marathon in the world, the Nike series takes place in both Washington DC and San Francisco. The event is filled with a sense of community, stylish gear, and raises awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. You can choose to run the half marathon or full in San Francisco; the Washington DC race is a half marathon.
    • Cost: Price hasn't been set, but the random draw for the San Francisco race opens June 3, 2013.
    • Prize: Ready for this? Each finisher receives an exclusive necklace designed by Tiffany & Co!
    • Training Groups? Yes, find them here.
    • Locations: San Francisco and Washington DC.

    More "mocktails" and marathons after the break!

Affordable Decor

13 DIYs For Cooking Up a Beautiful Kitchen

Although your kitchen is meant for cooking, it's great for crafts, too.

Although your kitchen is meant for cooking, it's great for crafts, too. With a little DIY magic, you can spruce up your space with everything from painted tea towels to ombré chairs. The recipes (or in this case projects) are easy enough to tackle over the weekend and won't break the bank. With over 10 to choose from, there's bound to be something for the "heart of your home."

DIY

20-Plus Bedroom DIYs Worth Pinning

Have a few hours to spare?

Have a few hours to spare? Consider a simple bedroom DIY. Without spending a lot of money, you can revamp your space on the fly with a homemade project that is anything but kitschy. Roll up your sleeves with DIYs like tufted headboards and graphic art — it's time to satisfy your craft fix!

decorating inspiration

Design Field Trip: La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles

If you're ever in Los Angeles, make it a point to visit La Brea Avenue's design district.

If you're ever in Los Angeles, make it a point to visit La Brea Avenue's design district. This small, walkable stretch of inspiration (located between Melrose Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard) is densely packed with everything from quirky antiques to urban fashion. Start the day at Nick Metropolis, a warehouse filled with old movie props (and therefore the best photo props) we have ever seen. From there, we strolled and browsed everything from custom furniture to foreign finds. Between the fashion, food, and interiors, we left with loads of inspiration and new LA favorites. Click through to see our pics!

Breakfast

Taste Test: Yopa! Greek Yogurt

It's official: Greek yogurt is now the reigning queen of the dairy aisle.

It's official: Greek yogurt is now the reigning queen of the dairy aisle. New brands have been sprouting left and right, and one of them is Yopa!, by the makers of YoCrunch. It bills itself as "authentic Greek nonfat yogurt," but how did it taste in comparison to other Greek-style yogurts on the market? To find out, we tasted three fruity classics — strawberry, blueberry, and black cherry — complete with an essential, crunchy granola (an added bonus on the package). Find out how Yopa! yogurt fared.

DIY

24 Quick and Easy Living Rooms DIYs

This weekend, take your DIY skills beyond the craft room into your living room!

This weekend, take your DIY skills beyond the craft room into your living room! Always on the lookout for new ways to spruce up our space, we found homemade projects that will freshen up your digs in no time. Whether you're looking to fill your walls with art or add a few custom pillows, let your creativity roll with it. Even if your living room isn't due for a little something new, these projects can be easily adapted to any space. So what are you waiting for? Check out the 24 options that leave those daunting DIY rumors behind.

savory sights

Savory Sight: Spiced Mango Tea

A refreshing drink with a kick, this spiced mango tea from Food Fashion and Fun is easy to make and perfect for your next party.

A refreshing drink with a kick, this spiced mango tea from Food Fashion and Fun is easy to make and perfect for your next party.

Simple black tea is made party perfect with the splash of orange liqueur and mango nectar.

For more — and the recipe — visit her blog, and then be sure to share your food photos via Savory Sights on POPSUGAR Social or by starting your own blog. If you're on Instagram, then chime in on the conversation with the hashtag #savorysight.

Affordable Decor

The Stylish Guide to Your First Apartment

Hey, girl, the time has finally come for your first apartment — congrats!

Hey, girl, the time has finally come for your first apartment — congrats! While being granted your new set of keys is exciting (just don't lose them!), the list of essentials can be rather overwhelming. Making style the main priority (as always), we set out to prove that you can do it on a budget. Sticking with necessities — like plates that aren't paper — we found you ways to save without sacrificing style. And for the times when only the best will do? Well, we found those options, too. Sure, welcome the hand-me-downs, but with a little savvy shopping and this guide, you can furnish your apartment with enough cash to spare for that security deposit.

Instagram

Instagram Challenge: Life's a Picnic

It's been an early and hot Spring here on the West Coast; dare we say we can even spot Summer right around the bend?

It's been an early and hot Spring here on the West Coast; dare we say we can even spot Summer right around the bend? We're wasting no time toasting to the hot weather with outdoor lunches, back patio dinners, and weekend picnics galore. Case in point: the garden brunch we recently enjoyed at La Note.

Have you, like us, been enjoying your meals under the sun? If so, please share your best picnic- and patio-filled food memories with us! All you need to do is upload your photos to Instagram and include the hashtag #savorysight in your caption. Keep checking back, because you could be featured in a slideshow of our favorite submissions. And make sure to follow us on Instagram (@POPSUGARfood) for mouthwatering inspiration. If Instagram's not your thing, don't worry: you can still participate by sharing snaps of your dishes and drinks in our community, POPSUGAR Social.

Dessert

11 Darling Wedding Dessert Tables, From Rustic to Romantic

As foodies, we know you can never have too many sweets, making dessert tables the perfect complement to your wedding cake.

As foodies, we know you can never have too many sweets, making dessert tables the perfect complement to your wedding cake. In fact, these tables are increasingly becoming the star of the show, showcasing a couple's favorite treats. Keeping your theme and your love for sweets in mind, we found dessert tables fitting for all weddings. Whether you're the rustic or romantic type, rest assured your sweet tooth will be satisfied.

Spin, Sweat, Stretch (in That Order!)

Because a long ride is no easy feat, stretching is key to reap the benefits from miles of sweaty satisfaction.

Because a long ride is no easy feat, stretching is key to reap the benefits from miles of sweaty satisfaction. As soon as you hop off the bike, be sure to stretch your tired muscles, paying special attention to your legs and chest. If you're in rush, these five quick and effective stretches will prevent injury and make your next ride the best one yet!

party planning

25 Wedding Cakes That Are Anything but Traditional

Although florals and frills can make a grand impact on a wedding cake, so too can geometric shapes, mod detail, and other unexpected contemporary flourishes.

Although florals and frills can make a grand impact on a wedding cake, so too can geometric shapes, mod detail, and other unexpected contemporary flourishes. For the nontraditional couple, we've rounded up 25 eye-popping cakes that are guaranteed to serve guests an impressive bite. Take a peek and get inspired!

decor shopping

The Elements of a Perfectly Styled Coffee Table

Admit it, you've been wanting that Pinterest-esque coffee table for some time now.

Admit it, you've been wanting that Pinterest-esque coffee table for some time now. We'll let you in on a little secret: it's rather simple, and all it takes are a few key pieces. Color is key, and accents that lend a personal touch will make it your own. Use this layout as your step-by-step guide or as inspiration to curate the items you already own. Here's how:

  1. First things first, begin with a base. Start the "layering" process with this brushed metal tray ($125) or one similar. Then, style it with small accessories like a gold artichoke ($170) and a scented candle ($60).
  2. Give your guests something to talk about! Coffee-table books that reflect your passions are a great place to start. The bright covers and content from books like The Flower Recipe Book ($25), Paris in Color ($20), and Living in a Modern Way ($60) have stunning images that turn a good read into actual decor.
  3. Add functional accents, too! Handmade agate coasters ($195) will protect your table, while an initialed matchbox (prices vary) and a candle snuffer ($38) lend a sophisticated touch.
  4. Lastly, complete the look with a bouquet of flowers. This arrangement ($250) is stunning, but you can keep it simple by grabbing an inexpensive bunch (around $7) from your local grocer or farmers market and adding them to your favorite vase.
workouts

Spin, Sweat, Stretch (in That Order!)

Because a long ride is no easy feat, stretching is key to reap the benefits from miles of sweaty satisfaction.

Because a long ride is no easy feat, stretching is key to reap the benefits from miles of sweaty satisfaction. As soon as you hop off the bike, be sure to stretch your tired muscles, paying special attention to your legs and chest. If you're in rush, these five quick and effective stretches will prevent injury and make your next ride the best one yet!

Source: Thinkstock

Freeze Away Your Shin Splints With This Recovery DIY

Shin splints slowing you down?

Shin splints slowing you down? Freeze away the pain with an ice cup! An athletic DIY of sorts, ice cups are an easy and affordable way to treat common athlete woes like sprains and sore muscles. All you have to do is fill plastic cups with water and freeze; once ready, peel back the paper to expose the ice. These beat bulky ice packs or a bag of peas because you can use them to pin-point your trouble spots and massage the muscle. Keep a few stocked in your freezer so at a moment's notice you'll have your post-workout treatment ready. Be sure you don't follow up with heat for at least 48 hours, and once the pain diminishes, try these easy exercises to strengthen the tibialis anterior.

If you do have pain or shin splints often, consider visiting a physical therapist and checking in with your form and running shoes.

The BOSU Lunge

If you haven't already learnt to love lunges.

If you haven't already learnt to love lunges. They are the ultimate exercise; you can do them anywhere, anytime and see toned booty results fast. This compound exercise works your entire leg and is an easy addition to both your cardio and weight workouts. Once you've mastered the basic lunge, speed up the process to long, lean legs with the addition of a BOSU.

Here's how:

  • Standing it front of the BOSU, engage your core. Keep your upper body straight with your shoulders back and relaxed.
  • Similar to the position of a basic lunge, bring your right leg behind you, placing it on the BOSU.
  • With control, lower your hips until both knees are bent at about a 90-degree angle. Make sure your front knee is directly above your ankle and your right knee doesn't touch the floor. Keep the weight in your heels as you push back up to the starting position. This completes one rep.
  • Do two sets of 10 reps on each side.

Source: POPSUGAR Studios
beginner fitness tips

Freeze Away Your Shin Splints With This Recovery DIY

Shin splints slowing you down?

Shin splints slowing you down? Freeze away the pain with an ice cup! An athletic DIY of sorts, ice cups are an easy and affordable way to treat common athlete woes like sprains and sore muscles. All you have to do is fill Dixie cups with water and freeze; once ready, peel back the paper to expose the ice. These beat bulky ice packs or a bag of peas because you can use them to pinpoint your trouble spots and massage the muscle. Keep a few stocked in your freezer so at a moment's notice you'll have your post-workout treatment ready. Be sure you don't follow up with heat for at least 48 hours, and once the pain diminishes, try these easy exercises to strengthen the tibialis anterior, the muscle that runs on the outside of the shin.

If you do have pain or shin splints often, consider visiting a physical therapist and checking in with your form and running shoes.