C A R D I O does the BODY gooood

Thanksgiving…a day to be thankful. I feel incredibly fortunate for endless things in my life: loving family, great friends, abundant opportunities, jobs, cozy apartment, etc. But one thing I am particularly thankful for right THIS minute is that I LOVE CARDIO! Just like the average American, I consumed a ridiculous amount of calories today (can I mention this girl sampled 6 different desserts! Mooo! lol). Yep, its like that! I love food…

Regardless, I am thankful that I can’t wait to wake up tomorrow morning and bust a serious sweat at the gym. My favorite part is when the tops of my hands begin to glisten and I feel the first drop slide down my lower back. The music pumps me along and all I can do is just keep up with the beat! Sometimes I loop the same song, just to keep the same mood and energy.

Routine workouts build stamina and keep one fit, mentally and physically. Intense cardio sessions produce results fast! So even though I over did it with the feasting today, I know that by intensifying my workouts for the next few days will put me back on track. I want to encourage everyone, to find time for some cardio starting TODAY (well first thing in AM), as I promise, it will make you feel better about yourself and help keep you mentally sane during this holiday season. Step up your gym sessions, if they are already part of your daily routine, or start a new workout plan today, as tomorrow becomes never…

xoxo,
Anya

Just for T W O

For all those nights out, we can't forget the memorable nights at home...

It's cold outside, and what better way to show someone that you care about them, then to prepare a delicious night at home. Tonight that's what I did for my boyfriend. He's always taking me out and buying me flowers and I wanted to show him how much he means to me...

so I made him dinner, baked some cookies, and finished the night with a movie and hot cocoa! I couldn't think of a better way to show someone I care!

xoxo, jenna

Our ROC-trepreneurs

We always hear that Rochester has a hard time keeping young talent around, as jobs are just not readily available or might not be as glamorous as what big cities have to offer. Hmmm dilemma: love Rochester but can’t find a job? Well, how about starting your own business?

Friday, we were able to attend FANSHOES FIFA International Fashion Show. This event was put on by a local start-up composed of young entrepreneurs, who are striving to supply fans world wide with environmentally friendly canvas shoes with licensed sports/university logos. It’s a pretty awesome idea that has already won the hearts of many. The show previewed the World Cup 2010 Country-Inspired Fanshoes and brought together a lot of young professionals, as well as featured another local start-up, Vital Energy. These guys came up with a non-carbonated beverage, enhanced with lots of caffeine and vitamins to ensure a healthy boost. Great, great evening!

I guess what makes this noteworthy for us is that we are proud to have one of the founders of Fanshoes, Nicholas Rovisa be a friend of ours. He is young and ambitious, like ourselves, and is out there making things happen. Besides Fanshoes, Vital Energy, The College Gift Box (Anya’s business), there is one more local biz to take note of. KKBB apparel is a huge favorite of ours. Founded by Michael Banos, this local apparel company offers some fun product! And they actually just had had a new t-shirt release party. Sooo if your are hearing about any of these young ROCHESTER START-UPS for the first time, check them out, spread the word and get inspired! Get to it!

xoxo,
Bella Russa

giving T H A N K S

There's nothing quiet like having friends over for dinner. Especially when you are running behind with a turkey in the oven and 7 different side dishes! Since we spend thanksgiving with our families, we decided to have our own thanksgiving the week before with friends!

Here's what made it a memorable dinner party...

• Music - Vicky Christina Barcelona Soundtrack (the perfect dinner music)
• Food - Turkey and all the trimmings
• Wine - started with a little Saneval Albarino and Salice Salintino and kept it going with RELAX riesling

We are always t h a n k f u l for good friends, great wine and amazing food!

xoxo Anya & Jenna

S I M P L I C I T Y

s i m p l i c i t y I'm not married. I don't have kids. How am I overwhelmed by house work? The reality of the situation is that after a year and a half of living on the farm, I've become completely unorganized. It's all ready mid-november and if i don't pull it together around my house my holiday season is going to be a hot mess! Over the past two weeks I have given away 4 garbage bags of clothing to charity! But now it's time to organize what I do have... which is way too many clothes. Sometimes having a lot make you feel great but having a little is just so much more s i m p l e .

(help! my house is a messsssssss!)

xoxo,
Jenna

Take it H O M E

We’ve always been fans of Rochester’s night life. People sometimes complain that it’s always the same old thing but we really do think that the city has a good variety of options, plus it is all what you make of it. Nevertheless, one thing we do have to bring into question after going out Friday night is, “why do people in Rochester not like to get dressed up?” Now, more than ever, great clothes are easy to come by at great prices. E x a m p l e : Friday night, both of us rocked classy sassy dresses that cost us together under $40, while others rocked skater designer hoodies that average $60. Really? We weren’t looking for formal attire but how about going for a casually dressy look maybe with a side of chic. The invite said dress well aaand sexy, and this is what you bring to the table? Take it H O M E ! Ironically enough, that was the name of the party…

xoxo,
Bella Russa

Latest Updates to The FARM

Here is a little fact that some might not know about BELLA RUSSA: we live on a FARM! Ok…ok…ok…lol…not literally. Jenna and I live in duplexes right next to each other and there are a lot of pets around here. As a matter a fact, I am the one p e t l e s s resident and I am frankly ok with that. Anyhow, that is where THE SOUTH FARM originates from.

Latest news at the farm is that I finally got a dinning room table! Woot woot! Over the last year, all the fabulous dinner parties were held at Jenna’s estate, lol and my guests were always stuck eating on the couch, kitchen counters, washing machine, or floor. Well no more!!! I cannot wait to have some of you over for delicious eats and vino. With the addition of the table, I decided to flip my living room. Change is good you know. So after a few feelings of uncertainty, I actually grew very fond of the new set up. I have lived in my apartment for over a year and it was time for a change. Sometimes, something as simple as rearranging furniture can brighten up a home! Check out how it all came out…

xoxo,

Anya

W E L C O M E

W E L C O M E…The fall season in Rochester, NY, the end to a very short summer and a beginning to a very long winter. But besides the negative perceptions of the season, come great fashion, delicious seasonal food, stylish holiday parties, and decorating our homes for the holidays.

We are the BELLA RUSSA, a nickname that came and stuck from being socially involved as an indestructible duo. From throwing dinner parties to attending social events, we love Rochester, the people that reside here, and hope to share our daily experiences, dilemmas, ideas, and fun that fills our lives.

xoxo,

Anya & Jenna