Sampling Sunday: Week 1

Hi there!

I thought of a new series that I will feature every Sunday.
Why?
Well, if you're an Ulta and Sephora junkie like me, you have a LOT of samples laying around...but you may have not given them a try.

I figured I might as well share my thoughts about these products, so here we are.

Here's what I tried this week:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

1: The POREfessional is a pretty incredible product from Benefit. This is my favorite of the bunch and have been using this for a while, actually. I got some samples of it this week which is great since I'm running low! A little bit goes a long way, which is important for me considering that price tag. I really think that it does minimize the appearance of my massive pores!

2: They're Real Push-Up Liner is interesting. I'm not a liquid liner kinda gal, but I did have fun giving this a whirl. It is a little messy and I think I need a little more practice with it, but I do like how blue the black liner makes my eyes look:

I'm just wearing my trio of favorite eye products that are highlighted by this liner. I'm not sure I'd spend the $24 on the full size but maybe after I practice a bit more and get used to this look I could consider it.

3: Living Proof Full Thickening Cream: meh, it's fine I guess. I didn't notice any difference with this product. Once the sample's gone it's gone.

4: Redken Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine is fun. I definitely noticed my blonde locks looking shinier when I used it this week. However, it also looked greasy if I put on the product too close to my roots. Even though it doesn't take much product to get the job done, I wouldn't spend the $40 on the full size. I like the product but not the price. Call me cheap, but I'd rather pay half as much for Sebastian Trilliant! 

What do you think? Do you like this series? Want to join me on Sundays? I could host a link-up!

Have a good one!

Work it Out Wednesday: Week 4

Hi gang!

It's my first week at the new job and it's going really well!

I've happily managed to keep up my workouts while I get used to a new routine.
I've been to boxing twice since I last wrote and am SO happy. I might even go tonight after work if I have the energy (and take a break from exercising tomorrow since I had a workout this morning, too! I'm silly, I know.) I feel fantastic, and OK I have to brag for a hot second: the gym owner is impressed with me! He even made me flex my biceps which was weird but cool (I guess?) and said they are awesome and impressive! That made me feel great! Embarrassed a little, sure, but great!

Let's get going with this week's update!

First thing's first, though: remember what I said about my lack of qualifications? Please keep in mind that I am aware that I am chubby and have no authority, but I'm just trying to spread some wellness love as I fight the battle to live well myself.

In terms of new workouts, I have to share what I did this morning:

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How I made it harder: I added weights to the plie squats, did arm raises during the side lunges, bicep curls during the squats and added a weight for the Russian twists.
Overall impression: I like it! It's not my favorite of everything I tried, but it's definitely a good workout.
Sweat factor (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is when I look like I just got out of the shower): 5 at the end of round 1, 8 at the end of round 2 and definitely a 10 by the end.
How I felt when it was over: Great!!
Would I do it again? Definitely! This is another good travel workout since you don't need weights!

Weekly recipe:

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We're craving some crock pot meals...mainly because they're easy and make our place smell awesome, so we're going to give the Crock Pot Carne Guisada (Latin Beef Stew) from skinnytaste.com a try this weekend! It looks incredible!

Weekly motivation:

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My phone has a similar look. I prefer working out in the morning SO much more than after work! I may even try the 6am boxing class next week.

Weekly workout sass:

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I need this shirt!

When do you prefer to workout? Do you like burps? What's your favorite and least favorite exercise to do?

Have a good one!

Work It Out Wednesday: Week 3

Hi gang!

My week is crazzzzy! This is my last week at my current job and I'm going nuts trying to wrap up everything! New job starts Monday!!!

Luckily, I've had my workouts to handle my stress.
I got a Gilt City deal for a new boxing gym in the neighborhood and I am SO happy to box again! If you have't tried punching and kicking an actual heavy bag you haven't lived! It's the best stress relief and is SUCH a fantastic hour long workout incorporating cardio with the boxing. I cannot recommend boxing enough!

I also enjoyed the fantastic weather on Saturday and ran outside. I sure hate running, but I sure do love how I feel when I'm finished!

Oh, by the way, I still ate a bunch (both healthy and not so much) and am chubby. I'm not trying to pretend to be something that I'm not with this series. Remember what I said about my lack of qualifications? Please keep in mind that I'm just trying to spread some wellness love as I fight the battle to live well myself.

In terms of new workouts, I have to share what I did on Tuesday morning:

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How I made it harder: I almost did four rounds, but stuck with the three instead. No knees for the pushups, though! I would looove to do 30 pushups in 30 seconds, but I'm not quite there yet. Not sure I ever will be, but how freaking cool would that be?
Overall impression: Tuck jumps. Woof. The cardio was tough! I loved it! It was great to follow it up with an ab workout.
Sweat factor (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is when I look like I just got out of the shower): Yikes. Gross. Total 10.
How I felt when it was over: Amazing and exhausted.
Would I do it again? Totally! This is a travel workout for sure. No weights needed. Just throw on some jams, get a timer and you're golden!

Weekly recipe:

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Well hello there, meaty and cheesy happiness.
I have no idea how this is a Weight Watchers recipe but I sure am excited to figure it out. Weight Watcher Burrito Bake for 6 Points+? Why not?

Weekly motivation:

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Ha. And I just loooove to make it sob. :)

Weekly workout sass:

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...and margaritas, and wine, and hurricanes...
But seriously, I need this shirt.

Have a good one!

Happy Halloween and Hair Products!

  Hey gang! Happy Halloween!   In honor of this fun holiday, here's my niece, Lizzie, over the years!  I can't wait to see what she is this year!  

  I almost re-posted my Halloween post from two years ago when a group of girlfriends and I dressed up wearing the same outfit and posed all day as an Awkward Family Photo, but I decided to just link to it here instead. So glorious!  OK twist my arm, here's one photo:

 haha this will never get old! ..................................................................................................... OK back to my regularly scheduled post! Last week I was paid a very sweet compliment on my hair. It shocked me because rarely do I ever take the time to do my hair, let alone receive compliments on it! My friend asked me what products I use to keep the curls in tact so I thought I'd do a little post and show you what I use! Honestly, most of these products are results of recommendations from stylists and other bloggers. I'm usually pretty picky when it comes to these sometimes pricier purchases, so word of mouth recos work for me!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 I throw in 1 & 2 while my hair is wet, 3 before I style, and go to town with 4 once the curls are set. My favorite part of the curling process is using 5 when all is said and done. The Sebastian Microweb Fiber is easily my favorite product. It lasts forever, smells great and is fun to work with in my hair. I put a pea size amount in my hands and then scrunch up the curls. I sometimes even just use this instead of hairspray. I also really like Biolage products for mousse and hairspray but it's been a while since I have purchased these products. I kept trying others recommended to me (Big & Sexy is the current spray, as seen above), but my favorite remains Biolage! I'm pretty sure my Mom introduced the products to me years ago and I've loved them ever since! They smell amazing, too! Also, another favorite product I need to buy is Sebastian Shine Shaker to add some extra shine to my 'do. Anyway, here are the final results. For all three ways I used the pictured products and the curls last allll day!

Lemme tell ya, it took over a week for me to make the effort to do my hair three times! What are your go-to products when you curl your hair? Anything I should try? Also, are you dressing up for Halloween? Have a good one!

Layered Looks for Fall

  Hey gang! Can I get a show of hands for how many of you love ModCloth? I looove ModCloth! A lovely lady from ModCloth asked me this week to write about fall style, inspired by pieces featured on their site. Scour their site and create a style board on polyvore for real stylists to view?  I mean, twist my arm.  Sign. Me. Up. I didn't receive anything for this post and opinions are my own. Other bloggers are also writing about their favorite fall styles and winners will be chosen on a weekly basis by ModCloth stylists to be featured on social media. I would love to be chosen! Now on to the challenge! Layered looks are the only option in Chicago during about 9 months out of the year.  Basically, I'm all over layers. Honestly it's tough to choose which pieces from ModCloth to use for this post since there are soooo many that I want (especially all of their awesome sweaters!), but I found an incredible sweater that I must add to my bag! I would take it in all colors, but I'm featuring the Oatmeal shade below:

Fall Layers featuring ModCloth by mkrulia featuring J Brand

The coat, the boots, the earrings and the sweater are all on ModCloth. How amazing is that coat?!? I would wear this whole outfit to work or on the weekends out and about in the afternoons. I just love the whole look. I could seriously wear that sweater every day, too. Another way I'm picturing it is with some leggings, cozy socks, some coffee and a good book. And because I was having fun, here's a look I'd love for a fancy evening out!

Sparkles and ModCloth Dress by mkrulia featuring 18k rose gold earrings

I just adore that dress!! I would wear this to fall and winter events for sure! I love that the colors are unique and stand out without being obnoxious. It's just so pretty! OK I better stop before I get carried away! How would you style a casual fall look? Have a good one!

Six Months Ago...

...was a very happy day...

Have a good one!

Note: this was originally posted on Sunday, 10/26, but I wanted to join the link-up! :)