Wednesday, May 25, 2011

12!

I have been trying really hard to lose weight - and I'm finally doing it!  I've lost 12 pounds so far!  This week has been terrible (as in eating and lack of exercise).  I went to dinner with the girls - for Italian - one of my many weaknesses and yes, I was bad.  Then, yesterday I had two terrible muscle cramps that stopped me from working out.  I made it to the gym today during lunch, but my workout was cut short due to a meeting.  That's ok - I was nervous about today's workout, because my calf muscles are still sore from yesterdays cramps!  But I made it 30 minutes on the treadmill (instead of 40).  But I made it there!  I did do a little more jogging on the treadmill today, so that was good.  My goal is to do all jogging - no walking!

Bottom line is that I am proud of myself for sticking with exercise and sticking with eating right (most of the time).  I really can't wait to see how far I can go and keep this up.  I'm looking forward to skinner me!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Biggest Loser!

Some co-worker friends of mine and I are participating in our own version of Biggest Loser challenge.  We created the rules, have weekly weigh-ins, and the progress is awesome.  We are five weeks in and I have lost 12 pounds!  This is better than anything I have ever been able to accomplish with Weight Watchers or anything else on my own.  I am simply working out regularly and watching my calories (keeping them around 1200 per day) and that is it!  I have more determination this time around than I ever have before and for once, I am very excited!! 

Some have asked me what is different this time around the weight loss merri-go-round?  And the difference is I turned 40.  That was huge for me.  I have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.  I would like to avoid all of that if I can help it. 

And yes, I am kicking some booty on the challenge.  I won the monthly challenge - the girls had to take me to lunch last week (awesome salad place).  I lost another two pounds at today's weigh-in.  I am surprised and proud of myself at the same time.  And determined to win the challenge overall!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Great find

I have been on a foundation quest for many years.  The quest for the perfect foundation.  My idea of a perfect foundation is one that looks flawless, and most importantly - STAYS PUT.  I have always had oily skin, so my make up blotches.  Additionally, I live in Texas where 100 degree days are common, so the heat would just melt make up away even faster on my oily skin.  After some extensive internet research and make up blog stalking, I have found a product I like.  It's not a new foundation, but a primer of sorts.  It's by Smashbox called ANTI-SHINE.
I was skeptical at first - how could a product absorb oil or prohibit the production of it so that my make up will last most of the day (or at least until lunch)?  The package is not a lot to look at and the $27 price tag for such a small tube is enough to shy anyone away.  I bit the bullet and I was pleasantly surprised.  I am a big fan of MAC Studio Fix make up and these two products work great together. 

I think it's early to admit my search is over, because I am just never happy - BUT this has put the search for perfect foundation on the back burner for now.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Another product fav

Ulta had a HUGE sale over the past 21 days.  I took advantage of several of the great sales that Ulta had.  I'll review more polish stuff later - but what I'd like to chat about is Urban Decay's lip gloss in Naked.  It says it's lip plumping, and it does do that ever so slightly.  It feels good on and tingly - I'm sure it's the mint infused to make the lips look "plumped".  I don't know what the technical term is, but it works good on me.  The color I chose was Naked.  It is a great color on me as a red-head.  It's not too bright, and not too dark.  I use it with a nude lip liner as a base and it adds just the right amount of lip color as to not fight with strong or dramatic eye make up colors.

I'll give this gloss a 3 out of 4.  I also want to give a thums up for the packaging.  The top makes it easy to find in my purse when I'm just feeling around and digging for that particular lip gloss.  Great job Urban Decay!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Nail obsession

I have recently been obsessed with nail color.  I have always been a fan of all things cosmetic, however my recent nail polish fetish has me taken.  I got a great deal on a mani/pedi yesterday and got this color on fingers and toes.  I'm going to Ulta today to see if I can find it to add to my collection (and I got a little chip in the polish that is bothering me!).  It's hard to tell from the photo but it has some bluish/grayish/greenish qualities to it. It rocks! 


For my eyes today, I'm trying not to be too trendy - or too young for my newly 40 age.  I have been adding a little pop of color - but not too much that it is over-done for the office.  I applied MAC Retro-speck all over the lid and added MAC Coquette in the crease and corner.  Followed by MAC Powerpoint eyeliner ind Fly-By-Blu.  I'm currently using Lash Blast Volume mascara in black brown (it goes best with my red hair).

My make up search continues for the perfect nude lip color for pale-skinned redheads, as well as foundation that will stay on my oily skin.