Going Green ... well, sorta!

I have been doing great on my new road to a healthier lifestyle! I recently started the Couch to 5K running program (oh yes I did!), have been attending Zumba more regularly (2x a week), and have been doing fabulous with my diet. I am not fasting or detoxing; I have simply cut out alcohol, most carbs, starches, and sugars, and have been cutting back on the dairy (homegirl still loves her cheese). I have increased my water and tea consumption, and have been working on portion control. Simple changes, but seeing big results! I am definitely less bloated and down about 5 pounds.

 Since I am cutting out a lot of carbs, pasta is one food I go without. I know, blasphemous for this Italian girl, but it is just not worth the swelling my poor stomach goes through after eating it. I have tried the gluten-free varieties, but no difference, so I simply turn to the trusty zucchini to serve as my noodles!

• Super simple to prepare ... with a vegetable peeler (mine is from The Pampered Chef, but you can get 'em anywhere kitchen gadgets are sold), peel layers of a clean squash or two.

•  Boil zucchini 'noodles' in a pot as you would normal pasta. Cook times vary depending on how thick your noodles are, but normally take 10-15 minutes.

•  Drain and serve with your favorite pasta sauce! With this particular dish, I added a little olive oil, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese ... YUM!

A super simple food swap that has HUGE benefits!

~

I have also been incorporating protein shakes as light meals mid-day. My appetite has been decreasing a little bit, but I know it is important to not skip meals. Being on Pinterest so much (don't judge), I am always seeing smoothie recipes that are green. They sure don't look appetizing, but their not-so-secret ingredient is a staple in my fridge, so I thought I'd give it a try. 

 I blended up this shake in my Magic Bullet (aka: the most awesome kitchen appliance EVER) last week (P.S. I don't ever measure anything in the kitchen, so go with what feels right):

• One small banana
• One medium kiwi
• One scoop of vanilla protein powder
• One handful of raw baby spinach
• Almond Milk
• Ice Cubes

Guess what?!? It was actually pretty tasty and a little on the sweet side!! I drank it and munched on a handful of almonds. It was the perfect meal that held me over for 3 hours before dinner! Plus, I ate less at dinner.

While my 2-mile walk/jogs exhaust me to the point of near coma status once I hit the pillow, my breathing sounds like I am in need of medical attention, and my times ranging 15-18 minute miles, I AM DOING THIS!! My body may hurt, but my brain is saying "You Go, Girl!!"

Baby steps.

Have a great holiday weekend!

Check back in next week ... my buddy, Dr. Oz, has some great advice that I wanna share!

Birchbox ... May

Birchbox is the best way to discover new grooming, beauty and lifestyle products. Sample top products from high-end brands, get expert advice, buy new favorites and earn points with every purchase! Every month, you'll receive a box filled with beauty, grooming, and lifestyle samples from both up-and-coming and well known brands. Each delivery will include a mix of categories, as well as lifestyle items. Samples are generously sized, with enough product to allow you to figure out if they're right for you. You'll also want to take advantage of Birchbox.com, which is packed with product information and tips, including expert interviews, helpful tutorials, and engaging videos.

May's Birchbox was inspired by the hit TV show, Gossip Girl! Samples that arrived on my doorstep included Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer, Kerastase shampoo, conditioner and shine liquid, and Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20 in Glow ... product reviews coming soon!!

Also in this fun little box was nail polish from Color Club in Clambake Coral ... omgsh! Too perfect for spring!!

To find out more and to join the club, visit https://www.birchbox.com/.

Doing your body good ...

I have found a bit of motivation lately to get back on track with taking better care of myself.
Vacation.
In just 32 days.
While a vacation is just a temporary mark to reach my goals, I am determined to kick my lazy habits for good and work on keeping up a healthy lifestyle. This last year in general, I gained 20 pounds to date. I always knew my metabolism was going to slow down eventually, and apparently the fine age of 30 was time to do so. While I am healthy (thank God), I am not okay with this extra weight, nor do I want to continue to gain. So, it's back to being diligent and focused on making healthier decisions. Detoxes and fasts are temporary fixes to re-boot, but they also tend to do no good when your body sees you are trying to use them as a fast-fix. I am guilty of this, and my metabolism laughs as soon as I start eating poorly again. So here are a few simple additions to my everyday routine that really helps my body and metabolism work at its finest ...

Green and White Teas ... awesome for your metabolism, high in antioxidants, aids in digestion and weight loss, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and overall cleansing.

Probiotics ... regulates the good bacterias in your intestines and stomach. I am not a fan of yogurt, so I take one of these pills a day and they help keep my bloating and stomach issues at bay.

Okay girls ... this is one vitamin supplement EVERY gal should be taking each day. When we deal with stress, our bodies produce Cortisol. Cortisol triggers the body to store fat (especially around our mid-sections) and increases our appetites. The formula make-up of these B Vitamins increases positive moods and energy levels, decreasing stress and the production of Cortisol.

And lastly, but definitely not least important, I take a shot of this multi-vitamin liquid every day. It is found at Max Muscle (in stores and online) and has over 100 vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and amino acids. Because it is in liquid form, my body immediately absorbs the high potency formula and easily takes in the nutrients.

On top of the supplements, I am trying to incorporate cardio each day, whether it be going for a run in the neighborhood or hittin' up Zumba a couple times a week. I am also going to try to eat cleaner, which is my biggest weakness. It's hard to say no to fast food, bread and pasta ... especially in a family of boys who don't need to worry too much about the scale. I realize this isn't going to be a monumental change in the next 32 days, but it will be a start. Baby steps, right?

What do you do in your daily life to keep fit and healthy?

Insane Chicken

I was contacted by the great folks over at InsaneChicken, a company that offers hot sauces, barbeque sauces, and other specialty items for your cooking needs. They generously sent me over a box filled with goodies! My family LOVED the Honey Mustard BBQ sauce ... we put it on the chicken while it was on the grill and even added more when it was on our plates! I am not a fan of honey mustard in general, but man! This sauce was sweet on the tongue, but had a kick that followed. YUM!!

About the Company:

InsaneChicken, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Chris and Alison McCarthy. The husband and wife team offer an insane variety of hot sauces, barbecue sauces, and other specialty items to a loyal customer base. InsaneChicken’s now famous Hot Sauce of the Month Club was featured on TV’s Food Network. Its Fire Roasted Habanero Hot Sauce won first place in the 2011 Scovie Awards in the Extreme Sauce category. Obama’s Health Care Hot Sauce, Choke Your Chicken Hot Sauce, Pineapple and Mango Salsa, Mad Dog Teriyaki Sauce and a BBQ six pack are just a few of the 120 products available on InsaneChicken. InsaneChicken is located in Norwell, Massachusetts.

If you are looking for an amazing BBQ and hot sauce line, definitely give InsaneChicken a try!!

Italian Approved ... Mangia!

Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil ... the latest campaign I am participating in as a BzzAgent! I was sent a bottle of this rich and smooth olive oil that originates in the mother land herself, Italy. I love dipping fresh warm bread in oil and balsamic vinegar, and the sweet undertone in this olive oil blends so nicely with vinegar and garlic! I also added this oil to my Italian grandma's homemade pasta sauce ... amazing! Are you drooling yet? I definitely recommend this brand ... if you see it in the store, pick yourself up a bottle! I have coupons if anyone is interested and will be happy to send them! 

Mini Fashion Week ... Friday's Shoegasm

Terri, @ Peace, Love & Applesauce, posts a fabulous weekly (ahem) link-up called Friday's Shoegasm, and although she has been posting other awesome posts on Fridays lately, I couldn't wait any longer to see if Shoegasm was going to pop up this week. There are a few pairs of lovelies that I have been drooling over in my Pinterest boards lately, and I am itching to share!

What do you think?
Now ... how to convince my hubby that I NEED more shoes? Ha ha!
Have a wonderful weekend!!

Mini Fashion Week ... Pinterest Thursday

Oh, Pinterest! How I wish these these outfits were mine ... perfect for Spring!!

♥

Wanna follow me on Pinterest? My link is in the sidebar! ----->

Mini Fashion Week ... Wednesday

Yes, we had a weekend of sunshine and warmth. Don't fall off your chair!

Wedges ... Target

Shorts ... Ecko

Brown lace tank ... Old Navy

Striped top ... Old Navy

Necklace ... Forever 21 (and only $1.50!!!)

Hair Flower ... Target

Faux Pearl Earrings ... H&M

Wedding Ring ... Hubby 

Mini Fashion Week ... Tuesday

 Cardigan ... Express

Lace Strapless Top ... Hollister

Jeans... 7 For All Mankind

 Bracelet Trio ... Target

Shoes ... Walmart



Mini Fashion Week ... Monday

Cleaning out my fashion files this week ... nothing too exciting, but thought I'd share some of my birthday wardrobe finds.

Jeans ... Gap

Oatmeal layer tank ... Old Navy

Peach racerback pocket tank ... American Eagle

Flip Flops ... Bandals (love the changeable bands!)

Accessories - Necklaces and Bracelets ... Forever 21

Nail polish ... OPI Fly from the Nicki Minaj collection

I have a little trick for customizing my necklaces that I find at amazing prices. Being they are so cheap ($4 to $6), if I find a layered necklace I adore a certain part of, I will buy it and literally cut off the layers I don't like with sharp scissors. In this ensemble, I am wearing 2 separate necklaces. Both of these necklaces came with a hideous amount of gold chains that a) became a tangled mess when wearing them, and b) took away from the fabulous pop of color that I wanted to stand out. So I simply cut off the chains. A super simple alteration that made the look even better!

As for the silly pic ... my hubby thinks it's entertaining to continue snapping pics of me AFTER I am done posing ... thought I'd throw that one in there to show how I keep it real around here.

Happy Monday, Peeps ... check back in tomorrow to see Tuesday's fashion post!

xoxo

Fashion Friday ... Hello 31!!

 Being that my birthday was on Wednesday this week, I had to work for part of the day. Lucky for me, the real estate company I work for is pretty laid back and casual, so I rocked jeans.

 Top: JC Penney

Oh.my.goodness! Have y'all checked out the new style that JCP is sportin' these days? They have definitely amped up their game and I found some cute stuff there for my b-day (wait til' I debut my new shoes ... fab.u.lous)!!

Layer tank: Target

I adore their Long and Lean tanks!

Jeans: GAP

These cute wedges are from the Tribeca collection by Kenneth Cole ... I have had them for years, but never really wore them because they were uncomfortable. I stretched them out a bit, and now they are comfy enough to wear all day long.

My necklace and earrings are from Old Navy (sorry, no close ups, but they have been in lots of other Fashion Friday posts), and my cuff bracelet is from a blog swap I participated in last year.

I have lots of fashion posts lined up for next week ... I need to get caught up in posting them or I will be showing you winter looks in August! So have a great weekend and tune in for my own little Fashion Week starting on Monday!

xoxo

Before and After ... The Haircut!!

 So here is the pic I took into the salon ... Miss Natalie Portman was my inspiration this time around. Medium length, layers, and nothing too drastic that would take a lifetime to grow out.

 Here is my hair before ... super long, ends fried from going with the ombre color process, and looking a bit brassy.

 And here is the after pic ... chopped off quite a few inches, getting rid of the dead, frizzy ends. I also had some more highlights put in to blend the definite color line of the ombre vs. my dyed black hair, and I also added a couple purple peek-a-boos near the front, but it is hard to see those on my phone pics.

 Fresh cut ends, no more severe damage needing to be treated every day, and highlights throughout... ♥

 I am loving the way this style frames my face, and how much healthier and lightweight it feels!

While I didn't go super extreme, I am pretty excited with the new 'do and happy that I finally took the plunge after so many years of hanging on to the super long length.

What do y'all think?

Today is the day ...

I am NOT chickening out this year! Tomorrow is my birthday, which (if y'all remember a new year's goal of mine) means it is time to cut my hair. I have dragged my feet, gone back and forth, and threw out lots of empty promises throughout the last few years. My appointment is set for 3:30pm today. I have a few celebrity hairstyle pics ready to go, and trusting my that fabulous hair girl, Mallela, pulls off a cut I will adore.
Wish me luck (this is a HUGE deal for me) ... and pop back in tomorrow to see my new 'do! xoxo

Post #875 ... Fur-ocious Vocals

Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips ... $8.99

In ♥ with this fun print!!
Super easy to apply, these nail polish stickers went on smoothly and quickly. Total manicure time took about 20 minutes, although I am a newbie at this. I was never interested in purchasing these strips because a) the price is a little steep in my opinion, and b) I never found a print that I adored enough, or couldn't re-create with polishes I already own.

I was at Walgreens last night and the box was whispering at me from a distance. Flashes of my current fave color and current animal print of choice sealed the deal on the purchase. This style is called Fur-ocious Vocals and is supposed to last up to 10 days. I applied a top coat to add a little extra protection, as I have had friends say this little trick helps the wearability last longer.

The kit comes with everything you need to accomplish your designer manicure, including easy-to-follow instructions. Coupons circulate every now and then and are definitely recommended to help with the $8 to $9 price tag.
Have you tried Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Polish Strips?

I tried it ... Olay Total Effects

I recently ran out of a spendy facial moisturizer I had been using for a few months ... it was a generous gift from my mom-in-law, but unfortunately I can not seem to justify adding it to my family's budget. I was browsing the aisles of Target last week and spent some time reading bottles and packages of facial lotions, debating on prices and brands. I had finally decided to try Olay's Total Effects + Touch of Sun.
I am turning 31 this month (holla!) and while that age is NOT old, I can see that my skin is starting to show signs of aging. Those fine lines and wrinkles of mine become more apparent this time of year when the sun starts to come out. I don't usually wear sunglasses, so the extra squinting helps defines my lines a bit more. I wanted a moisturizer that was going to help minimize the appearance of these imperfections, as well as give my skin the daily hydration it craves. Olay claimed to do all these things AND add a little boost of color with a sunless tanner added to the mix. Sold!!
I have been using this product daily for the last 9 days and I am loving it!! I notice my complexion has evened out and has a nice glow to it. The lotion gets an A in the moisturization department, no greasy or oily feel and absorbs nicely. And while I don't believe a topical cream can erase the fine line and wrinkles I already have, maybe this lotion can help prevent new ones from appearing. I definitely think this is a product to try, especially if you are in the market for a new moisturizer. This one retails for around $23. I snagged it for under $20 on sale.
What are your thoughts? Do you use Olay products? What facial lotion do you swear by?

Fashion Friday ... Rawr, baby!!

Channeling my inner Snooki, I am rockin' this fun cheetah shirt that I found at H&M for $5.95!

It is a stretchy cotton ... perfect to layer with the tights that I got at Target.

The tank is from Gap, cardigan is from Express, bracelet from American Eagle, and these two necklaces were actually apart of two other layered necklaces that I no longer liked, so I seperated them with some trusty scissors and kept the pieces I liked. Crafty, huh?
The boots are knock-off Uggs. Fuggs as my hubby likes to call them (Fake Uggs = Fuggs). I got them through Groupon for $20. They are no where near the quality or comfort of the real deal, but I ain't hatin' for 20 bucks!

I know y'all may be sick of seeing the boots in every.flippin.fashion.post, but it is OREGON!! We only get a day or two of sunny spring weather here in the Pacific Northwest, and our summers don't even get started until mid-July. Hang in there, peeps! Eventually I will pull out the cute booties and flip flops, sandals, and pumps! Until then, homegirl has got to keep her feet warm!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

xoxo