Cory Wade Hindorff's Triumphant ANTM Return

Perhaps the most satisfying part of the season premier of America's Next Top Model Cycle 21 (aside from the always fabulous and inspirational Tyra being both fabulous and inspirational) was seeing Cory back onscreen again! Looking more comfortable and confident than ever, he introduced the new season to both the contestants and viewers. Cory has a certain power and charisma to his body language that many people struggle for and don't quite achieve, and I can't help thinking a lot of that is due to his positive nature and intelligence.

Seriously, check out his Facebook and follow him on Twitter. And listen in to my interview with him from earlier this year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kpkcx7yp2XE

Here's a picture of Cory and Tyra during the premier, snagged from Cory's instagram: http://instagram.com/p/r4lp5RQzUP/ Follow Cory for more pics! http://instagram.com/corywadehindorff

Living, and Loving Life... Even With Panic Disorder

Yesterday I made this as a reminder to myself about how I need to face life with anxiety and severe panic attacks. I don't talk about my condition in public very often but I wanted to share this:

My name is Kendra L. Saunders. I'm a published author, fashion blogger, music store nerd, frequent traveler...and I also suffer from severe panic attacks.

With much love from some special friends and family, I'm working hard to battle my panic and depression, and love life with all of its challenges. It's not easy, but as the lyrics to one of my favorite songs says, "I live, but I love this life." (Coldplay)

A few of the important things I've learned recently are:

*We all have quirks, strengths and weaknesses. Just because someone else seems to have a perfect life doesn't mean they do. Just because we feel we have overwhelming odds against us doesn't mean we need to give up.

*Anxiety is fear of fear. It's fear that you will be afraid, you will react badly, you will suffer again out of fear of something that has or hasn't happened. Knowing this helps take away some of its strength.

*We don't usually see our best moments coming any more than we see the bad ones coming. Just because we've had a series of unexpected misfortunes doesn't mean we'll never have another moment of happiness. It's all fluid, it changes, and it goes up as well as down.

*Look back to your favorite memories to be reminded that you got through darkness and found light, not to make yourself feel bad for what's happening right now in your life.

*Most panic attacks only last five minutes if you don't fight them or feed into them. Only FIVE minutes! That's not so bad, really, is it? Just let your body do its panic thing, tell yourself you're going to let it happen for five minutes and wait it out. The more you accept it in the moment, the faster it will pass.

*You are more than your mental illness, depression or anxiety. You are a multifaceted human being with loved ones, dreams, talents, and a future. Accept your dragon, whatever form it takes- anxiety, depression, etc- and then say, "This is MY dragon. And I will fight it." Battle it, but remember that it is yours, it's a part of you, and that's okay, but it is not all you are made of.

*When panic begins to form inside you, just tell yourself, "This is it! Another challenge! And when I beat this one, I'll be one step closer to being panic-proof!" Think of it however works best for you- imagine battling your anxiety in a video game, or imagine a big calendar with check marks, each day and each check getting you close to vacation, aka the end of feeling so overwhelmed by your anxiety.

*Something that a very sweet person told me recently made a huge difference with my panic attacks. She told me to think of what made me feel most alive. Think of it fully, in detail. She said some people think of a person who is vibrant and colorful, some think of a beach or a fond memory. For me, its the Tick Tock Diner in NYC. I'm stepping off the bus, I'm turning right off the bus and adjusting my backpack strap and popping my headphones in, looking up at the late-afternoon sky, listening to cars and trucks roll by, half-noticing the tourists buying cheap scarves and bags and pictures of Marilyn Monroe, smelling second-hand-smoke and burned hot dogs. It's my happy place. It's where I feel alive. When I feel like I'm about to lose control of my anxiety, I tell myself that I'm there, I will BE THERE again, and let that soak clear through to the cells of my being. Find your happy place, find what makes you MOST ALIVE. Be there. Live in that moment, always.

Living with panic disorder can sometimes feel like you're not living at all, but you're not alone, and there is always a new opportunity for you to fight- and win- whatever is holding you back. Much love to you, and feel free to tweet me anytime if you need to talk about this. @kendrybird

A Fashionable #TBT

Tonight's a new episode of Project Runway, so here's a #TBT to Fashion Week last year, with some wonderful ladies.

What was your favorite moment at NYFW'13? Who are you rooting for on PR this season?

Get Healthy and Happy Playlist #1

No matter what you're facing right now- money issues, relationship troubles, work stress or anxiety, getting out for a nice invigorating walk can make things just that much better. Here's some songs that helped me take a mental and physical health-boosting walk today, and have lots of fun while doing it!

(Catgroove by Parov Stelar can make anyone dance, trust me!)

(Gold Rush by Clinton Sparks ft 2 Chainz and Macklemore is so much fun!)

(I Belong to You by Muse puts a smile on your face and that clarinet puts a bounce in your step!)

(Attack 61 by Chris Corner gets you pumped!)

Fashion Spotlight: Fabletics, and Why You Need Some Camo Leggings

As a typical modern woman, I would describe my life in one word as "busy." Or maybe "stressed," if I was being more honest. These days we have more to do than ever before, especially if we are single and supporting ourselves while also building a career in the arts (hands up, ladies! Who knows what I'm talking about?) Fitting in time for relaxation, time with friends and self-care can be difficult.

One aspect of self-care that I've noticed always helps the most is working out. It's not that I'm an outdoors person (this girl? You'll never find me in the mountains or on a long hike. Noooo way), but the practice of mental quiet and physical exertion allows me to disappear into another, private world for a short time.

Working out involves time, though, and for those of us who don't have much time for anything, it can get pushed to the bottom of the list. When that happens, many of us find ourselves in poorer shape than we'd like to be in and experience low self-esteem. This cycle of negativity can send someone down a path of even worse health and anxiety.

Enter Fabletics, an upbeat and refreshing lifestyle brand that works hard to provide AFFORDABLE and ATTRACTIVE workout gear for gals of all sizes, shapes, ages and financial situations. Fabletics encourages far more than a cute shirt for yoga, though; the company regularly shares well-being messages and tips, speaks to their audience with a refreshingly conversational voice, and genuinely supports women in all of their crazy modern lifestyles.

It's hard to get this girl out of a dress, and even more so into a pair of anything resembling pants, but I'm amazed to say that my first Fabletics outfit lived up to the hype- not only did I put it on immediately and head outside for a walk, but I actually wanted to wear it on errands-- and did! Putting on a cute workout outfit can really motivate you to take even small steps in the right direction. Whoohoo, confidence boost!

My outfit is called Seconde, and features the most comfortable (and sexy!) camo workout leggings in the universe. Seriously, slip into a pair of them and tell me you don't want to wear them all the time! The tank top is loose and swingy and looks very nice, though it should be noted the back./sides hang pretty low, so if that's a problem area for you, you might want to choose a different tank. And that workout bra! Love it!

Fabletics provides another cool service... you sign up for their VIP program, get your first 3-piece outfit at a greatly discounted price, and then receive outfit suggestions at the beginning of each month (you can choose to buy or skip your selections each month). Fabletics also offers accessories now, including cool water bottles.

(Outfit: Fabletics. Bag by Payton Designs.Visit Payton Designs tumblr and Instagram)

As a long time fan of Kate Hudson, I'm truly excited to see her sunny and positive vibes shining through the Fabletics brand.

(Kate wearing Fabletics. The camo leggings are the bomb, truly)

Do yourself a favor and pick something up NOW! And tell them Kendry Bird sent you, because Kendry Bird can always use more gorgeous workout gear ;) 

http://www.fabletics.com/invite/51431680/

A Moment With... Project Runway's Leanne Marshall

I had the opportunity to ask Leanne Marshall a few questions recently. Read on for her answers and some gorgeous photos from her fashion show last September!

Q: I attended your show at NY Fashion Week, September 2013. Your collection was just stunning, with brilliant punches of color (that pink!) Are bright colors going to work their way into your creative palette again?

Yes.

Q: Your Instagram is full of Wes Anderson-esque warm and lush photographs of your work and your adventures in life, including some jealousy-inducing travel snaps. Any tips for fashionistas who want to create their own aesthetic on Instagram?

Pictures that compliment each other and are very appealing to flowers. Avoid TMI photos. People are rarely interested in your food (unless the plating is extraordinary) and they never care yo see you waiting at the doctor's office. 

Q: What accessory or item of clothing is currently rotating heavily in YOUR wardrobe?

Items from the ROSS Dress for Less binge that I just had in Portland.

Q: At Kendry Bird, we promote body positivity and body diversity. What's your best advice for curvy fashionistas who want to look great? 

Wear what you feel amazing in. If you feel fantastic, that is exactly what the world will see. If you question your look, they will too. That advice goes for everyone, with every body type.

Q: What can your fans do to support you and your work?

They can follow me on instagram: LeanneMarshallDesigns and on facebook: LeanneMarshallOfficial.

Q: If you could create a wedding dress for anyone, including a fictional character, who would be your top wish?

Jennifer Lawrence.

Q: Thank you so much for your time, Leanne. It's so exciting to have you as a guest and I can't wait to see what you make next! Is there any last message you'd like to leave for your fans?

Thank you for all of the support through the years!

Wellbeing Spotlight: Pure Indulgence Day Spa

Yesterday I had the great opportunity to visit Pure Indulgence Day Spa in Concord, NH. A lady with gorgeous bubble-gum pink nails had mentioned Pure Indulgence to me as a fabulous spot for manicures and many other delights, so I made an appointment right away!

Once inside Pure Indulgence Day Spa, I was greeted by the most adorable French Bulldog in the world, five year old Petunia. Petunia wandered over to me for inspection and then retrieved her toy so we could play. Truly the best way to start any spa visit!

Just as friendly and wonderful was Pure Indulgence's owner, Heidi. Heidi greeted me personally, welcomed me in and told me a little about some of the services they offer (nails, facials, massages, oh my!) I was able to enjoy a relaxing cup of tea by a fireplace (fake, of course, since it was roasting hot outside) while looking through some fun magazines (Cosmo and Allure. Perfect!) After a very busy and sometimes painful last two months, it was wonderful to unwind somewhere so homey and pleasant.

Heidi, who received training from one of the most talented massage therapists (or massage WIZARDS, I would call her!) Amber Flanders, was able to communicate with me about my painful shoulder and the issues I have with my back and neck. She brought me to a cozy room and helped break up tension in my very, very unhappy muscles. As someone who has chronically tight muscles in the neck, shoulders and back, thanks to a lot of stress and a slightly misaligned spine (hellllllooo one shoulder that is an inch higher than the other!), this was a godsend. I carry my stress in my upper body usually, and Heidi knew just what to do to help it! Heidi is empathetic and just as great with working magic on sore muscles as Amber.

You should definitely make a visit to Pure Indulgence next time you're in the area. Everything is wonderful from the moment you walk in the door until the moment you leave, including the relaxing music and smells you'll experience. I can't wait to get back and try my very first facial at Pure Indulgence... but that will be an adventure for another blog post!


-Kendry Bird

Pure Indulgence is located at  244 N Main St Concord, New Hampshire

Call to make an appointment: (603) 228-7873
Like them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pure-Indulgence-Day-Spa/146999783477
Tell them that Kendry Bird sent you!

 (If nothing else, you have to visit to meet Petunia!)