Good morning beauties!
I usually post my weightloss/exercise/fitness/health stuff on my bodybuilding.com journal and bodyspace but I want to share my journer here as well. On 12/15/2012 I took some photos, made some measurements, and weighed myself. I resolved to do this once a month, every month, so that I can see my progress. I also resolved to stop cheating myself. I workout hard nearly every day... but my eating is not spot on so I was bringing myself back to stage 1 with my poor eating choices. My lack of control/will power made it impossible for me to allow myself some small cheats (like many have a cheat meal, or a treat) ...it was like I was bingeing. Since Christmas I have been able to eat better than I was. No cake, no cookies, no frozen yogurt (just because it isn't ice cream doesn't mean you can over indulge) and I've been sticking to a small piece of chocolate (just ONE) here and there. I cannot emphasize how proud of myself I am and how GOOOOOOOD this has made me feel.
January 10 I received my Polar FT7 heart rate monitor/calorie tracker from Amazon. I was SO excited to use it. I put this on in the morning so that I could track my non-working out calories while sitting on my butt at work (don't you wonder what your daily calorie burn is when you're just.... living!?) and discovered I burn around 100 calories an hour.... just sitting. Haha. However, when I wore it during my workout I discovered that the calorie counting the cardio machines do is not entirely accurate. I ran my usual warm-up mile (I start at 6.2 and usually finish around 7.5 to push myself) and it took me about 9:30. The machine stated I'd burned 144 calories while my Polar said 91. That's a 53 calorie difference... not HUGE but big enough.. when you're going over 3.2 on the treadmill you can't hang on to the hrm so that it can see how hard you're pushing yourself.. I also did not input my weight or age while all of that information is stored in my Polar.
I've never been able to track my weight lifting calorie burn... and I feel this is where I push myself the most (sweating buckets ladies!). It was great to track this. In 1hr 32mins of strength training I burned 721 calories. I'm already planning on pushing harder today to reach an even 800... and next time even higher!
I was so excited to see my burn that I joined a Zumba class to see what the burn would be for a group excercise class. In 56 mins of Zumba (sort of low key cardio for me) I burned 400 calories.
Now, I've done this regimine before (all of my "logging" is done on MyFitnessPal) and it said I burned 320 calories... that's nearly 80 more calories I burned.
Bottom line... I believe I've been mislead in terms of calories burned so I may have been overeating... or undereating even. I'm still working on my numbers but I feel that this tool will really make the difference in my weightloss journey. It will also push me to increase my fitness level and I'm so excited!
My weigh in for 1/15/2013 was 148lbs. I was disappointed that I'd only lost 2lbs in a month...but my fitness goals have been reached. I'm running a mile in almost 9 minutes flat (way better than the 10+ I WAS running when I started).. my strength is going up and I've lost inches.
On 12/15/2012 I weighed in around 150lb (6lbs down from my start in February 2012) and I was 30.6% bodyfat.
My chest went from 38in to 36...still 36 at this time.
Arms 13
Waist was 33.5
Hips were around 40.5
Thighs 25
Calves 15
1/15/2013 measurements
148 lbs and 29% bodyfat (may not be totally accurate)
neck 14 (fat lol)
chest is still 36 I believe but may be a little smaller; bras feel a little loose (could have gone down a cup size)
arms 12!
waist 31.5!
hips 39.5!
Thighs 24!
Calves 15
So, coupled with the increased fitness/strength... I'm pleased. I think I've found the correct calories I should be eating to lose... it's something that will continue to evolve and change though. Your body adapts!
Friday, January 18, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
Beauty Review 3 - L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara
Good morning beauties!
I have another beauty product review for you. I picked up this mascara in carbon black on the recommendation of a friend after finishing my second tube of Maybelline Lash Stiletto. I adore the Lash Stiletto mascara but I wanted an increase in the length and volume of my lashes so thought I would try a different mascara after finishing off that second tube.
L'Oreal's website states that this mascara: builds lashes to 5x their natural thickness with 2x the intensity of your regular black shade. It also states that this formula is clump-resistant (Woohoo!).
When first using this mascara everything was great. I did feel that my lashes looked thicker and longer. I also like the flat black color of this over the slightly shiny finish of Stiletto.
However, after a couple weeks of use I AM getting clumps! RAWR.
I despise clumped together lashes. It seems that the formula is changing the more I use it. I now have to spend several moments swiping the wand against a paper towel (or the rim of the mascara tube) to ensure that there's even distribution of the product through my lashes and no clumpage.
This never happened to me with Maybelline's Lash Stiletto.
I do not pump my mascara and I am a 1 coat girl so I don't understand why the formula seems to be changing (for the worse!) after a bit of use. I do not want to have to continuously buy new mascara when I'm not even done with the first tube.
So I will not be repurchasing this mascara. Are there any recommendations for a different mascara to increase length and volume of lashes?
I have another beauty product review for you. I picked up this mascara in carbon black on the recommendation of a friend after finishing my second tube of Maybelline Lash Stiletto. I adore the Lash Stiletto mascara but I wanted an increase in the length and volume of my lashes so thought I would try a different mascara after finishing off that second tube.
Photo Credit TotalBeauty.com
L'Oreal's website states that this mascara: builds lashes to 5x their natural thickness with 2x the intensity of your regular black shade. It also states that this formula is clump-resistant (Woohoo!).
When first using this mascara everything was great. I did feel that my lashes looked thicker and longer. I also like the flat black color of this over the slightly shiny finish of Stiletto.
However, after a couple weeks of use I AM getting clumps! RAWR.
I despise clumped together lashes. It seems that the formula is changing the more I use it. I now have to spend several moments swiping the wand against a paper towel (or the rim of the mascara tube) to ensure that there's even distribution of the product through my lashes and no clumpage.
This never happened to me with Maybelline's Lash Stiletto.
I do not pump my mascara and I am a 1 coat girl so I don't understand why the formula seems to be changing (for the worse!) after a bit of use. I do not want to have to continuously buy new mascara when I'm not even done with the first tube.
So I will not be repurchasing this mascara. Are there any recommendations for a different mascara to increase length and volume of lashes?
Monday, January 7, 2013
Beauty Review 2 - Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Perfume
Good morning Beauties! Happy Monday (yeah right!)
I have another review. Mmmmm this perfume smells devine!
I first discovered this perfum in October while babysitting for a family friend. Yes, I snooped in her bathroom after noticing this cute little glass cabinet behind the door. This was not at all associated with the sink like most bathroom cabinets are and she had an assortment of perfumes and lotions inside - cute! I smelled this one and fell in love!
This perfume, in my opinion, is the epitome of sexy.
Sephora states:
This floral explosion releases a profusion of flowers that has the power to make everything seem more positive. Magically evocative notes immediately awaken your deepest senses, giving you the impression of living life in your own secret garden, away from reality. Sambac jasmine, centifolia rose, cattleya orchid, and ballerina freesia bloom on a base of patchouli.
Notes:
Sambac Jasmine, Centifolia Rose, Cattleya Orchid, Ballerina Freesia, Patchouli.
Style:
Oriental. Gourmand. Floral.
There are a lot of floral bases here but it doesn't come off as floral to me when I smell it. It is more oriental, like spices.. but it is a sweet smell to me (vanilla)without being cloying or overpowering.. it is long lasting also (which is good as it is on the expensive side). 0.68 oz at Sephora is $50 [however I found a travel size option at my local Sephora for $32]
I have worn Jennifer Aniston's perfume and loved it this summer. It is a wonderfully fresh, clean scent that totally made me think of the beach and warm summer nights.
Sephora describes it as:
Notes:
Citrus Grove Accord, Rose Water, Jasmine, Violet, Amazon Lily, Musk, Amber, Sandalwood.
Style:
Sensual. Floral. Clean.
I have also worn My Place or Yours, Gina by Benefit..it's not available at Sephora anymore which is where I got it a while ago. Fagrantica describes it as: My place or yours Gina is the scent of provocative, modern and feminine apartment, composed of oriental-woody notes such as: pink pepper, bergamot, tangerine, peony, raspberry, lily, Tonka, vanilla and patchouli.
Before these two other perfumes I wore only one... I would scour ebay for this when I ran out. Early college I stopped really wearing it.
Fragrantica describes it as:
Noa is a small planet in your hand with a perl inside. Noa is a transparent composition of flowers, delicate spices, velvety fruit nuances and energizing power of coffee beans. This fragrances is like a tender wisper, feminine and subtle, weghtless, but with a noticeable presence.
Tender powdery top notes of freesia, peach skin, peony and musk lead to floral heart of white flowers, ylang-ylang and rose. The base is woodsy transparent with coffee and incense touches.
The perfume was created by Olivier Cresp in 1998.
That is my little scent journey... What are your favorite perfumes/scents? Have you changed a lot from when you started wearing perfume?
I have another review. Mmmmm this perfume smells devine!
I first discovered this perfum in October while babysitting for a family friend. Yes, I snooped in her bathroom after noticing this cute little glass cabinet behind the door. This was not at all associated with the sink like most bathroom cabinets are and she had an assortment of perfumes and lotions inside - cute! I smelled this one and fell in love!
This perfume, in my opinion, is the epitome of sexy.
Sephora states:
This floral explosion releases a profusion of flowers that has the power to make everything seem more positive. Magically evocative notes immediately awaken your deepest senses, giving you the impression of living life in your own secret garden, away from reality. Sambac jasmine, centifolia rose, cattleya orchid, and ballerina freesia bloom on a base of patchouli.
Notes:
Sambac Jasmine, Centifolia Rose, Cattleya Orchid, Ballerina Freesia, Patchouli.
Style:
Oriental. Gourmand. Floral.
There are a lot of floral bases here but it doesn't come off as floral to me when I smell it. It is more oriental, like spices.. but it is a sweet smell to me (vanilla)without being cloying or overpowering.. it is long lasting also (which is good as it is on the expensive side). 0.68 oz at Sephora is $50 [however I found a travel size option at my local Sephora for $32]
I have worn Jennifer Aniston's perfume and loved it this summer. It is a wonderfully fresh, clean scent that totally made me think of the beach and warm summer nights.
Sephora describes it as:
Notes:
Citrus Grove Accord, Rose Water, Jasmine, Violet, Amazon Lily, Musk, Amber, Sandalwood.
Style:
Sensual. Floral. Clean.
I have also worn My Place or Yours, Gina by Benefit..it's not available at Sephora anymore which is where I got it a while ago. Fagrantica describes it as: My place or yours Gina is the scent of provocative, modern and feminine apartment, composed of oriental-woody notes such as: pink pepper, bergamot, tangerine, peony, raspberry, lily, Tonka, vanilla and patchouli.
Before these two other perfumes I wore only one... I would scour ebay for this when I ran out. Early college I stopped really wearing it.
Fragrantica describes it as:
Noa is a small planet in your hand with a perl inside. Noa is a transparent composition of flowers, delicate spices, velvety fruit nuances and energizing power of coffee beans. This fragrances is like a tender wisper, feminine and subtle, weghtless, but with a noticeable presence.
Tender powdery top notes of freesia, peach skin, peony and musk lead to floral heart of white flowers, ylang-ylang and rose. The base is woodsy transparent with coffee and incense touches.
The perfume was created by Olivier Cresp in 1998.
That is my little scent journey... What are your favorite perfumes/scents? Have you changed a lot from when you started wearing perfume?
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Beauty Review 1 - 2013 Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner
Happy 2013 Beauties!
I'm here to share with you my first beauty product review of 2013. Ooooo.
I received the Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner as a gift. I'm honestly not the biggest fan of liquid liners; firstly because I'm not good at using them (I've tried several brands/tips) and secondly because I don't adore the harshness of the lines they create. I like a more blended line like what you get with an eye shadow.
However, this liner is incredibly easy to use and I find I can achieve a VERY thin line with it which is far superior to the chunky lines of other liquid liners I've tried (L'Oreal Carbon Black Telescopic Precise Liquid Eyeliner, Milani Eye Tech liquid eyeliner, Wet n Wild Mega liner).
I went to bed with this on (whoops) and when I woke up it was all pretty much still there save for the very ends where I flicked it out for a subtle cat eye. I found that had flaked off somewhat and may have transfered to my lower lashline? Haha. That smudge could also have been from the mascara I didn't take off though.
Photo credit: Shalya at Northern Exposure
Sephora ($15) states:
What it is:
A precision, accentuating black liquid eyeliner.
What it does:
Featuring a long-lasting pigmented formula, this black eyeliner has an easy-to-apply, pen-style nib, allowing you to create thick feline flicks and defined lines for a smudge-proof finish. Apply a thin line along the lash line and inner rim or smudge outside the rim for a sultry, smoky effect. This gratifying, color-intense liner doesn't flake or fade and adds a unique touch to any look.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan
To me this liner stood up to this description (the flaking after bedtime wear doesn't really factor in right?). It is intensely black after one swipe across the lash line (versus both Milani and Loreal needing several coats to eliminate any bare areas), did not distribute carying levels of product, and it was very precise despite my novice hand. I would definitely recommend this product for anyone wanting to graduate from pencil/eyeshadow lining to liquid. It is like a lip stain marker (Revlon Just Bitten) for your eye!
I'm here to share with you my first beauty product review of 2013. Ooooo.
I received the Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner as a gift. I'm honestly not the biggest fan of liquid liners; firstly because I'm not good at using them (I've tried several brands/tips) and secondly because I don't adore the harshness of the lines they create. I like a more blended line like what you get with an eye shadow.
However, this liner is incredibly easy to use and I find I can achieve a VERY thin line with it which is far superior to the chunky lines of other liquid liners I've tried (L'Oreal Carbon Black Telescopic Precise Liquid Eyeliner, Milani Eye Tech liquid eyeliner, Wet n Wild Mega liner).
I went to bed with this on (whoops) and when I woke up it was all pretty much still there save for the very ends where I flicked it out for a subtle cat eye. I found that had flaked off somewhat and may have transfered to my lower lashline? Haha. That smudge could also have been from the mascara I didn't take off though.
Photo credit: Shalya at Northern Exposure
Sephora ($15) states:
What it is:
A precision, accentuating black liquid eyeliner.
What it does:
Featuring a long-lasting pigmented formula, this black eyeliner has an easy-to-apply, pen-style nib, allowing you to create thick feline flicks and defined lines for a smudge-proof finish. Apply a thin line along the lash line and inner rim or smudge outside the rim for a sultry, smoky effect. This gratifying, color-intense liner doesn't flake or fade and adds a unique touch to any look.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan
To me this liner stood up to this description (the flaking after bedtime wear doesn't really factor in right?). It is intensely black after one swipe across the lash line (versus both Milani and Loreal needing several coats to eliminate any bare areas), did not distribute carying levels of product, and it was very precise despite my novice hand. I would definitely recommend this product for anyone wanting to graduate from pencil/eyeshadow lining to liquid. It is like a lip stain marker (Revlon Just Bitten) for your eye!
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