New Evening Routine!

I've got another product review for you!! I recently revamped my night time routine and started out with the Neutrogena Wave, which I still love by the way, but I also tried out a few other night time products.

My skin tends to be super sensitive, as in oily through the day, but dry as a desert right after washing it. Of course I moisturize but since I can't wash my face every single night and morning, otherwise my face is like sand paper and there ain't no moisturize that can do the trick without causing huge oil problems for the rest of day......I digress...........

But since I can't (don't like to) wash my face every night I wanted to get some make up removing wipes. I scoured the shelves at Ulta, but I really wasn't sure. I wanted to get the most bang for my buck and I wanted something for sensitive skin. I found these babies on the bottom shelf!

Suitable for sensitive skin (yup taken right off the package), make up removing, soothing, pretty smelling, EVENING wipes!?!? Hells yes I am so on those.

You get a total of 30 wipes for  $5.49 if you get them at Ulta, which to me is a deal! I couldn't be happier with these make up removing wipes! I use them when I don't wash my face at night and oh lordy do they smell so pretty! 

It's probably just mental but I swear that scent will calm you down, add in a light candle like this one, and some sleep time tea and you are in for a night of relaxation!

I highly recommend these wipes to anyone but don't use them with a face wash, use them as a replacement for a face wash! You will not regret getting these, unless of course you don't like scented products, then steer clear.

Silky Soft

I promise not to focus all my reviews on "beauty" products but lately I've been on a beauty buying spree! I've gotten myself settled into a new skin care routine because of the wedding, however I have now found how calming and lovely it is to have a nightly routine that I doubt I'll ever go back to my old ways - you know sleeping in my makeup, not moisturizing at night, that whole deal!

First thing I did when I decided to start a new routine, which by the way my glow was to get smoother better looking skin, nothing to crazy just thought if I took a little bit more time I'd be able to get my super sensitive, acne prone skin to look clearer and smoother. Soooooo....the first thing I did was research, research, research! I'm a huge researcher. I hate making any purchases without getting to read reviews first and by reviews - I mean LOTS of them!

One of the first products that kept popping up was the Neutrogena Wave gadget. It's a smallish vibrating tool that you attach a cleansing pad to and it literally cleans your face while promising smoother looking skin...they promise it within the first use. My initial reaction - Yeah right, sure it does. But since it was only $10.99 at my local Ulta I figured if it did work I'd have a major score!

You can get it at Ulta!

Of course I read the directions before use and it's super simple to use. Just take one of the pads and attach it to the Velcro spot. Super easy, just press it on and it stays. Then run the padded area under water, just to get it a little wet, press the little on button and get ready for a gentle face massage. No joke this feels like you are giving your face a massage while cleaning it!!!!!

Oh and it's water proof so it can be used while showering - BONUS!

You probably won't believe me but yes it really did work on the first us! I seriously didn't want to stop touching my face cause it was so smooth!! I was SHOCKED!! And the "soap"/face wash that they use on the pads smells great, but is not too strong, and it really does get your face clean without over drying.

Because I was still skeptical, even though it really did work on the first use, I used it again that night before bed and holy wow! It was still amazing and felt so good. I even make Chuckles feel my face cause it was so soft! I mean it won't feel like a feather but I guarantee it will feel softer than any other face wash has gotten your face before!!

The only downside is obviously having to purchase more facial wash pads, but if you use this as a replacement to your normal face wash it won't really matter. However I will only use this at night. I still need my acne fighting face wash (yes at 25 my sensitive skin still gives me troubles) in the mornings, but what better way to end the night with a nice easy, cleansing face massage! 

I highly recommend!! Great job Neutrogena!!

Ginger Lovers Unite!!

For Christmas this year I got one of the best gifts ever - the Weight Watchers Cookbook!!

 

 We've been so busy that it's taken almost a month for us to try a new recipe out of it but we finally did and oh boy am I impressed!!

It's a pretty simple recipe and fairly inexpensive if you have most of the ingredients on hand - 

You will need - 

1lb pork tenderloin (this will be the most expensive part), 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, 3 garlic cloves (I used garlic powder), 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (we used our Ginger in a bottle), 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons Asian (dark) sesame oil, and salt!

  

First I whipped together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil.

 Mixed it all together than dumped into a gallon zip lock baggie.

Then I had Chuckles slice open our tenderloin. You cut it lengthwise in half, like opening a book.

Then pound it out until it's about 3/4 inch thick.

Then you place the meat into your zip lock baggie (forgot to take a pic) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. We had it in the fridge for about 4 hours and I made sure to check it 2 hours into it and "rotate" it in the bag. I wanted to make sure it all got coated.

Now the recipe calls for you to grill it but it's January. And while the weather hasn't been too bad in California we didn't feel like pulling the BBQ out of the garage and this is when having  Sous Chef comes in handy! Chuck said - no problem to put it in the oven!!

But first, put foil on a baking sheet, spray with non stick spray, place your meat in the center. I poured the remaining marinade over the top cause you can't go wrong with more seasoning!!

Crank your oven to 375 degrees and let it cook for 25-30 minutes! Then remove from oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes.

Then get to slicing!! Doesn't that look amazing? It smelled pretty bomb as well!

We cooked up some rice and broccoli and had us an AMAZING dinner. The tenderloin was so flavorful and so moist!! I was in HEAVEN!!

 For you Ginger lovers make sure to try this recipe. I would recommend this to anyone and you really can't go wrong with some broccoli and rice as your sides!!

Total points value = 5 points for two slices of the tenderloin (cut it into 10 slices).

TRY IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :o)

My First 5K - On the Road to My Next 5K!

Well Ladies and Gents I have some very exciting news to share with you!

In the middle of  November I gave the Couch to 5K Program a try using the fabulous KissMyBlackAss.org Podcasts (thanks Seester for reminding me)! I knew that walking was no longer doing it for me and I wanted to up my excercise! However I was terrified of running! I haven't run since high school (aside from on an elliptical) and being overweight I was so embarassed to run and have my fat jiggling all over the damn place.

So how did I overcome that fear? I got up early and started to do the program in the wee hours before work where I knew NO ONE would see me give it a shot! I started the 9 week program on November 13th and knew it was the right choice!

I LOVED the first week. I LOVED the music and I LOVED that I could even run at all! It may seem strange to some people but the high I got from running soley came from the fact that I was ABLE TO RUN! I'm serious. In my mind I never had that confidence that I could ever run even a mile on my own.

After week 5 of the program I stopped. Not because I gave up but because I was running 3 miles without stopping, I no longer needed the interval running to keep me going. I couldn't even fathom that I was able to quit after Week 5 and essentially jump to Week 9 where you run for 30 minutes straight.

Not only that but I decided to challenge myself and I signed up to do a 5K Resolution Run. I kept it a secret from almost everyone because I didn't want to fail. I wanted to succeed but again I was so terrified that I'd fail. Yes I may have been running the 3.10 miles on my own but for some reason it never computed to me that I'd be able to do those same miles in a race.

On January 1, 2012 I woke up and donned my trusty workout clothes and shoes. I'll admit I had nerves and unfortunately being my first race I didn't realize that you really don't need to be there right when they say. We showed up at 9AM and there was no one there but those who were setting up the booths. Needless to say we took a little drive and went to get Chuckles some breakfast.

At 9:20 we parked the car and I walked up the Registration Booth to pick up my Bib Number!

And of course I am going to scrapbook this event that I have NEVER thought would happen in my life!

Because they had such a huge turnout they did 2 "heats". The first "heat" A.K.A Race, was for those who could finish in 20 minutes or less. Nope NOT ME! I ran the second "heat", where we started 10 minutes later. There were quite a few others in the second heat so I felt a little bit better. Still nervous standing there all alone while Chuckles snapped pictures!

At first I got passed up by so many people but I didn't dare look behind me. It didn't matter. I had a goal and I wanted to meet it. I wanted my best time yet which would have been anything less than 36 minutes. I was shooting for 34 minutes.

Here I am in the final stretches of the race.

And here I am crossing the finish line. I'm not even going to lie, once I saw that finish line I sped up. I was ready to be done. I had met my goal!!!!!!! I did the race in 34 minutes and 3 seconds (according to the official time on the website). I wanted to cry because it was such an overwhelming feeling to not only participate but then to meet my goal. I can't even describe how proud I am of myself. And yes I'll toot my own horn on this one.

To know that I worked hard to get to this point only made me more motivated. I have already signed up for two more 5ks this year and I am determined to do a 10k. My next 5k is in May and I want to complete it in less than 30 minutes.

The weight loss journey I experienced last year didn't hit me emotionally until the end of the year. Its a journey I never thought I would lose 53lbs. I never ever imagined I'd go from a size 20 to size 16 (and still shrinking YAY). I never in my life imagined I'd run 3.1 miles because I want to not because I had to.

I never thought I'd run in a 5k race.

Now I can't wait to get off work and go for a run! Yes, I'm running in daylight and damn proud of it.

Now I can't wait for my next two 5ks and I wish they were here already.

Now I can't wait to run in a 10k race.

To all of you who think you can't lose the weight or you can't become athletic.

YOU CAN!!

When I was talking to a friend of mine about being nervous about the race, she asked me why. I said cause I'm not a runner.

Her response - "You go running right? Then You ARE a Runner"!

2011 was an amazing year for me and even as I'm writing this post I'm brought to tears because never in my life did I think I was capable of changing my weight and my health but I did it damnnit and I am so proud of myself!

Thank you to my family and friends who reassured me and supported me throughout the last year and who I know will continue to support and be on my side throughout the rest of this journey!

A huge thank you to my Chuckles. He has been the most supportive and reassured me constantly that I can do this and has reminded me constantly of how much I've already done!

To my readers I hope you've made it through this long post. I know it's different from a lot of my other posts and it's a lot longer but I appreciate your time and your support as well!

Happy 2012!! May it be the best year for everyone!!

2012 Goals

This year is going to be absolutely crazy, nuts, busy, and a whole lot of fun! To start this year off with a bang here are my 2012 Goals!

1. Read my 2012 book list! After my 2011 list I'm scaling back so it's less stressful! Stay tuned...it's coming soon!
2. Lose an additional 40lbs and meet my healthy weight range!
3. Run 4 days out of the week.
4. Complete my 5K race in May in under 30 minutes.
5. Participate in a 10K race.
6. Create and stay on track with a weekly chore list!
7. Scrapbook two layouts a month.
8. Celebrate our Anniversary - This is very important to us!
9. Complete my Hawaii, 2008 and 2009 Scrapbook Albums.
10. Leave more spare time to relax! Meaning scheduling in free time and weekends on my calendar!

There you have it folks! I think this year I'll print these out and tape them to my bathroom wall to keep me motivated! I am so excited to get started on my goals!

Who else has 2012 Goals or Resolutions!

2011 Wrap Up

Boy oh boy did the last couple weeks of December fly by! I couldn't even make time to post but I'm back and ready to start 2012 off with a bang! First things first - lets do a recap of my 2011 Goals.

1. Dress up for work 4 days out of the week. (We have a pretty lax dress code but I want to start dressing more business casual instead of jeans everyday) - FAILED! I tried but then I shrunk out of my pants and have been waiting to buy new work slacks. When you don't need them for work it's hard to justify spending the money on new work pants. Plus I realized I'm very lucky to get to go comfy to work so I am taking advantage. Point in fact - today I'm in sneakers, jeans, and a sweatshirt!


2. Work 40 hour workweeks!! I am sick of working extra hours so this year it's 40 hour work weeks (Overtime ONLY when absolutely NEEDED and NEVER on a Friday) - ACCOMPLISHED! This year I only worked a few hours of overtime when it was absolutely needed! I wish I could say I never did on a Friday but it turns out Fridays are the best times for me to work overtime. I accomplish way more and then I get to go home and veg with the honey!

3. Lose 2 dress sizes by Summer (3 by Christmas) - Somewhat Accomplish/Somewhat Failed - I lost 2 dress sizes but not until October. I am almost down one more but alas, I did not meet the goal by the end of the year. However - I lost 53 lbs this year and started excercising 3-4 days out of the week! That to me makes up for the dress size.

4. Read 2011 Book List - ACCOMPLISHED! Yes the side tracker says I didn't but if you notice my original 2011 Book List was 46 books and I read 49 this year!!

5. Clean the house top to bottom every week! - HAHAHAHA FAIL!! This was definitely a wishful thinking goal. We just got so darn busy that it didn't happen. I will say though we have a new cleaning goal for 2012 that is totally attainable! Stay tuned...

6. Take Buster to Camp Bow Wow twice a month - Half Fail/Half Accomplished! This one is half and half because we did take him twice a month and then I started excercising and started taking Buster 3 days outo f the week. The Camp Bow Wow was to give him some excercise but once I started walking him we stopped taking him twice a month. He still goes but since it's expensive we cut back!

7. Finish my bookkeeping certificate - ACCOMPLISHED!!

8. Finish up the Home Improvements (List coming soon) - With the wedding planning (and saving) we did very minimal work on the house, which I knew would happen. In case you forget I made my goals before our engagement, which definitely put a damper on some goals, but hey there's always this year right....or next year :)

9. Scrapbook 2 layouts a month - ACCOMPLISHED! I successfully scrapbooked at least 2 layouts a month!

10. Finish my Hawaii album - FAILED!! I completely forgot this was a goal until yesterday. Where I spent all afternoon working on it, with only one layout left to do I am positive it will be finished before the end of January.

11. Spend more time with friends - ACCOMPLISHED! In fact I overbooked myself too much in 2011 and started hating making plans. While I love spending time with friends I found myself overly stressed over life and committments so this year my friends - Yes we will spend oodles of time together but I'm going to say No a lot more to give myself some downtime!!

12. Date night EVERY week! - FAILED!! We were extremely good at this until Chuckle's got his new job, now it's like date night every single night and weekend!! Plus when the weather got cold we wanted to stay home! But we always make sure to do something on date night, whether its playing games at home or at least going out to eat.

13. Take a FUN vacation - like Hawaii, Vegas, Disneyland, or a Cruise - This got put on the back burner due to our engagement. But we PLANNED our Honeymoon for this year so I think it counts!!

14. Go camping at least 4 times - Again with the engagement we decided to cut back costs and we lost quite a few weekends, BUT we went 2 TIMES!! So I deem this an accomplishment! Once just us two for our big vacation and then once for the Annual Campfest! Both times were so much fun! 

15. Celebrate our Anniversay (we never do cause I am so not into those things) - ACCOMPLISHED! We went to the Melting Pot and had a great experience! So great we are going again this year! WOOHOO!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful 2011, a Safe New Years, and most of all that you completed your goals you set out to complete!

For this year I am going a little more specific and probably a few less with the weddings (yup my Seester is getting married this year too) taking up all our time :)

Happy New Years Everyone!

2011 New Year GOALS!

I am so not a fan of resolutions but I am a fan of goals. Back in August I started thinking about the 2011 goals that I want to accomplish and I am determined to make 2011 the best year it can possibly be! I am actually very excited about 2011! I think its going to be the year to finish up our home improvements and get time to RELAX!!! So here are my GOALS for 2011:

1. Dress up for work 4 days out of the week. (We have a pretty lax dress code but I want to start dressing more business casual instead of jeans everyday)
2. Work 40 hour workweeks!! I am sick of working extra hours so this year it's 40 hour work weeks (Overtime ONLY when absolutely NEEDED and NEVER on a Friday)
3. Lose 2 dress sizes by Summer (3 by Christmas)
4. Read 2011 Book List
5. Clean the house top to bottom every week!
6. Take Buster to Camp Bow Wow twice a month
7. Finish my bookkeeping certificate
8. Finish up the Home Improvements (List coming soon)
9. Scrapbook 2 layouts a month
10. Finish my Hawaii album
11. Spend more time with friends
12. Date night EVERY week!
13. Take a FUN vacation - like Hawaii, Vegas, Disneyland, or a Cruise
14. Go camping at least 4 times
15. Celebrate our Anniversay (we never do cause I am so not into those things)

I am pretty positive I have not set myself up for failure because I refuse to fail! :-) I am very excited for 2011 and am entering the new year with the most positive attitude I can!! Happy New Year Everyone!!

Time to Get B-E-A-UTIFUL!!

On Wednesday I got the most amazing piece of mail delivery!! I got my Benefit Cosmetics Make Up Order!! Ever since my last purchase I've been saving my pennies to put in a big order and replenish with some of my favorite products and also add some new products that I've been eyeballing for months!

It is always packaged so beautifully!

This time around I ordered - the PoreFessional, You Rebel Lite, and the set called This Fab Lane (included BadGal Mascara , That Gal, and Hoola powder) and because I ordered all that and had a coupon code I got the Lana Make Up bag for FREE!! Yes I said for FREE!! And it is AMAZING! My other bag just got to be too small for me (Yikes, maybe that's a bad sign) but this new bag I hope I never outgrow! It's got plenty of room for my daily make up and my "If I have more time in the morning" make up, plus all the brushes I use on a daily basis and more!!! Boy this sounding like a sales pitch....I assure you I don't work for Benefit ....I just love everything about them :-)

First of all you can't go wrong when using the You Rebel Lite moisturizer, it really is amazing! Same with That Gal, which is a primer. But I'd never tried their mascara, Hoola powder, or the PoreFessional....first of all I am IN LOVE with the porefessional. What does it do you ask??

The Porefessional minimizes the look of your pores. I don't have huge pores but around my nose they get out of control...at least when I look at them! And who doesn't see their flaws magnified...so now not only am I in love with another product from Benefit but I also feel less conscious of my pores! WOO HOO!

Their mascara is ehh...it makes my lashes thick but I think it might be a little clumpy to stand on its own. I think I'll only use it when I wear eye shadow!

And the Hoola...it's a tan in a box. And I'm not talking hello orange construction cone...it's a great tan color that is light enough to wear everyday! I was so IMPRESSED with this and since I hardly ever tan anymore...I mean you don't even want to see my legs they are so blinding....this is perfect for entering the winter season. I know I'm going to lose (or have I already lost all my color?) any traces of sun time on my face and now I have a solution! Thank you yet again Benefit...I truly am an addict!

Vegetables Gained...Pounds Lost!

Yesterday was a GREAT day but a BUSY Day! I just wanted to share a few pictures of things I am proud of from yesterday!

I went Grocery Shopping yesterday for the millions of ingredients I needed for the new recipes I'm going to try! And as I was walking around the grocery store I noticed that for the first time I felt at ease in the produce aisle. I actually knew where the veggies I needed were. I know I know....how sad that I'm 23 years old and have been grocery shopping on my own since I was 19 and I am just now buying fresh produce...It amazed me too! But I was amazing in a great way! I was so proud of all the veggies I bought that I had to take a picture. Never have I had this many veggies in my house since I moved out! And this is just what I bought that day, I still had tomatoes and cucumbers in the fridge!!
With all those veggies you better believe I put them to good use with dinner. We did a crock pot roast which we included carrots and celery and then I made the Miracle Mashie's and Cornbread muffins! Can you believe it there was a total of 5 veggies with our dinner last night! It tasted so good!! And yes even with all those veggies I deserved a nice cold brewskie with dinner...

Another reason I am so excited about all these veggies is because they are paying off!! I have noticed that my jeans have been getting baggier and baggier and I couldn't ask my Paps to put another hole in my belt because we hit design. I decided to test the waters, while home alone by myself, no one to see me struggle with a size smaller pair of jeans..

To my amazement there was no struggle! I slipped into these jeans (one size smaller than I am wearing now) and they fit!!!!!!!! Granted a little snug when I sit down and I prefer comfort but that just means I am not far from being able to wear these and toss the old ones!! I had to share a picture because as of yesterday I have lost 17lbs! I still dont' feel like it shows very well but I can feel the difference and that is all that matters! I still have a ways to go but I am getting there slowly but surely :-) And ignore the mess of the bathroom...I painted it yesterday...those pictures will be coming soon!!

To anyone out there who might be struggling with weight like me keep it up! I have extremely bad days where I get so down on myself for being such a fattie but these small changes I'm making in my life are well worth it to me! I just can't wait until I am down 2 more sizes in jeans!!

Fabulous!!

I am so excited to say that I went and got my hair done least week! And I don't mean going to have it trimmed at Great Clips! *GASP* Yes I know I said Great Clips and Yes I am ashamed to admit it! I am cheap, cheap, cheap! Don't get me wrong I LOVE to spend money, I just like to be on the cheap side so I can buy MORE!!!

I finally made a HUGE step in my hair maintenance choices! I went to a REAL SALON! A NICE REAL SALON!!!! And the experience was delightful!! I was asked multiple times if I'd like a "beverage", yes they said beverage! And going in I knew the way I wanted it cut but I didn't know if I wanted to dye it or highlight! And the girls chose and I couldn't have picked a better color! When they washed and conditioned my hair, I'm in heaven just on those two, the chair was a massaging chair! A choose your own speed and desired zone massaging chair!! And while the highlights were soaking in they left me alone to just enjoy my book. No interruptions, no distractions!! Aaaaaaahhhhhhh I could have sat their all day!!!

But yes I am just rambling now because I could go on for DAYS at how happy I was with going to this REAL salon. The main point is that I cut my hair! WOO HOO!!

Here it is outside...you can see a little bit of red, and yes look at that shine, that shine the girls so nicely pointed out is so abnormal in a jealous way! I'm sure they were just being nice but I ate up the compliment and could have gone for seconds!!
A better look at the other side with the A-Line.

The front view, not much different than how I normally get it done when I cut it short! And thank goodness those bangs just keep growing and growing! I can't wait until they are long enough to tuck behind my ear!

A view of the top with the highlights!!

And the super cute back!! I love this look and it's so EASY to style!! I love that I can keep hair off my neck and with the right shirt (this not being the "right" shirt) you can see my tattoo!! And I love showing it off!!

You can also see more of the red in the picture above! I love red!!!

I have to be honest here, spending more money was extremely worth it!! Thank you so much to the girls at this salon for being so sweet and making those three hours of my life extremely relaxing and best of all....all about me :-)

Everyone needs to make sure to take that time, spoil yourself and enjoy every minute of guilt free!!