Friday, February 22, 2013
6 Weeks of Healthy Lunches!
I bring my lunch to work everyday, so the first challenge of my diet was finding options that I could prepare the night before and bring to work. I wanted lunch to be healthy AND flavorful, so I started taking pictures every day to keep a record of what I had made and to inspire me for the future. I love when meals have a lot of colors, which I think you'll notice in the pictures. I began this diet 7 weeks ago, but I didn't think of taking pictures daily until the second week, so I only have 6 weeks of pictures. From now on, I'll post my weekly meals each Friday or Saturday to inspire you before you shop for your week!
Operation: Get Hot (for Wedding!)
As some of you may know, I got engaged to my boyfriend of almost 5 years in September of 2012. We decided on a wedding in November 2014. Some days I feel like the wedding is way too far away, but there are tons of perks to having a little extra time. Besides the perks of saving money, having time and freedom to plan, and allowing family members to arrange travel plans, I also have the time to DIET. That's right...I'm one of those brides that thinks I should change myself before the wedding. I have been carrying around extra weight for way too long. I have tried countless diets before, but nothing has ever worked. This time, I can use the motivation of the wedding as a push. I want to lose about 40-50lbs. I should clarify that I have discussed my diet plans and goals with a doctor and was given the green light.
I began my diet on January 3, 2013. As of today, I am down 10lbs. I am keeping to a plan of 1,500 calories per day, with one cheat meal per week. I have also scheduled 4 workouts per week, averaging 40 minutes each. At this time, they consist of one Zumba class, one kickboxing class, and 2 gym days which generally feature the elliptical or treadmill. As the seasons change, I may substitute one gym day for an outdoor run/walk. My fiance is also dieting, which is also a big push! It helps to have someone to eat or run with that has the same goals.
My diet is not specific, except that I maintain my calorie goal every day. I do this using My Fitness Pal, a website and phone application that allow me to track my calories, fat, protein, sugar, carbs, etc each day. You can check out my YouTube video if you want to see how this works! Its very simple and helps me keep track of what I consume. It has taught me so much about my eating habits and what needs to change!
I try to keep one day a week meat free. It is currently Fridays, but will probably be Mondays once Lent is over (March 31st). I am not vegan or vegetarian, but I try to incorporate as many high protein non-meat items as possible. I am not trying to deprive myself or stay on a difficult diet, so I am instead trying to learn the right way to eat. I am currently eating more fruits and vegetables than ever before. I now add an abundance of vegetables to every single meal and use fruit for desserts and snacks. This isn't just about losing weight for looks, its also about learning healthy habits to keep the weight off. Remember, I have to keep the weight off in the time between ordering my dress and the actual wedding!
I don't want to be a skinny bride....I want to be a healthy, fit, beautiful PERSON. I believe that my goals and methods are realistic and are working for me. Below, I will add a link to my pinterest board featuring workout ideas and recipes. I will also add a link to My Fitness Pal. Feel free to find and add me as a friend!
I hope to reach my goal by this Summer. I will be keeping vlogs on my channel, as well as updates on instagram (weekly meals), pinterest, and this blog. Feel free to follow me, my name is always the same! I'll eventually have before and after pics, but they're not ready yet!
I hope that you enjoy this portion of my channel and blog. Thanks for reading!
Pinterest board:
http://pinterest.com/lovedork/new-me/
My Fitness Pal (also available as an app for smart phones).
myfitnesspal.com
Are you guys trying to lose weight? Tell me about it!
*DISCLAIMER: I am not affiliated with any diet or fitness website, plan, brand, or idealogy. I am not being paid to diet or lose weight. I am not a medical professional. Any diet or fitness routine should be approved by your own personal physician before you begin.*
I began my diet on January 3, 2013. As of today, I am down 10lbs. I am keeping to a plan of 1,500 calories per day, with one cheat meal per week. I have also scheduled 4 workouts per week, averaging 40 minutes each. At this time, they consist of one Zumba class, one kickboxing class, and 2 gym days which generally feature the elliptical or treadmill. As the seasons change, I may substitute one gym day for an outdoor run/walk. My fiance is also dieting, which is also a big push! It helps to have someone to eat or run with that has the same goals.
My diet is not specific, except that I maintain my calorie goal every day. I do this using My Fitness Pal, a website and phone application that allow me to track my calories, fat, protein, sugar, carbs, etc each day. You can check out my YouTube video if you want to see how this works! Its very simple and helps me keep track of what I consume. It has taught me so much about my eating habits and what needs to change!
I try to keep one day a week meat free. It is currently Fridays, but will probably be Mondays once Lent is over (March 31st). I am not vegan or vegetarian, but I try to incorporate as many high protein non-meat items as possible. I am not trying to deprive myself or stay on a difficult diet, so I am instead trying to learn the right way to eat. I am currently eating more fruits and vegetables than ever before. I now add an abundance of vegetables to every single meal and use fruit for desserts and snacks. This isn't just about losing weight for looks, its also about learning healthy habits to keep the weight off. Remember, I have to keep the weight off in the time between ordering my dress and the actual wedding!
I don't want to be a skinny bride....I want to be a healthy, fit, beautiful PERSON. I believe that my goals and methods are realistic and are working for me. Below, I will add a link to my pinterest board featuring workout ideas and recipes. I will also add a link to My Fitness Pal. Feel free to find and add me as a friend!
I hope to reach my goal by this Summer. I will be keeping vlogs on my channel, as well as updates on instagram (weekly meals), pinterest, and this blog. Feel free to follow me, my name is always the same! I'll eventually have before and after pics, but they're not ready yet!
I hope that you enjoy this portion of my channel and blog. Thanks for reading!
Pinterest board:
http://pinterest.com/lovedork/new-me/
My Fitness Pal (also available as an app for smart phones).
myfitnesspal.com
Are you guys trying to lose weight? Tell me about it!
Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter
*DISCLAIMER: I am not affiliated with any diet or fitness website, plan, brand, or idealogy. I am not being paid to diet or lose weight. I am not a medical professional. Any diet or fitness routine should be approved by your own personal physician before you begin.*
Monday, December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Shopping (and saving) for the Holidays
Holiday shopping can be a drain on resources- both physical and financial! It's getting late in the shopping season, so here are a few tips to remember:
Check sites such as retailmenot.com and freeshippingday.com to get the most up to date coupon codes and offers. Some sites are offering free shipping to ensure you get your items before Christmas!
Also, be sure to use a site like ebates.com to get cash back on your purchases. I use it for every purchase I make on line and usually end up getting around $20 back after the shopping season. You can use ebates all year to build up some cash. If you're interested, there's a link to sign up at the side of this page, or ask a friend to refer you so they get a bonus!
Missed the shipping window? That's ok! You can still get great deals in store. Sign up for emails or texts from your favorite stores, like Walgreens and Target, and you'll receive periodic messages with coupons and discounts. Apps such as retailmenot can help you access in store coupons right from your phone.
Don't know what to buy? For that hard-to-gift person, try thinking out of the box. Beer of the month club, concert tickets, movie tickets, a spa gift certificate- something you know will make them happy! Still stumped? Pick a theme! Its the easiest way to shop for someone. Pick a theme you know the person likes and find items to fit that theme. For example, if you know someone likes movies, buy a dvd, some candy, gourmet popcorn, and a cozy blanket- now you have a movie night gift! Other themes can include Home Spa Day, Family Game Night, Date Night, Game Day, or just about anything you can think of.
I hope some of these ideas have helped! Happy Shopping!
Check sites such as retailmenot.com and freeshippingday.com to get the most up to date coupon codes and offers. Some sites are offering free shipping to ensure you get your items before Christmas!
Also, be sure to use a site like ebates.com to get cash back on your purchases. I use it for every purchase I make on line and usually end up getting around $20 back after the shopping season. You can use ebates all year to build up some cash. If you're interested, there's a link to sign up at the side of this page, or ask a friend to refer you so they get a bonus!
Missed the shipping window? That's ok! You can still get great deals in store. Sign up for emails or texts from your favorite stores, like Walgreens and Target, and you'll receive periodic messages with coupons and discounts. Apps such as retailmenot can help you access in store coupons right from your phone.
Don't know what to buy? For that hard-to-gift person, try thinking out of the box. Beer of the month club, concert tickets, movie tickets, a spa gift certificate- something you know will make them happy! Still stumped? Pick a theme! Its the easiest way to shop for someone. Pick a theme you know the person likes and find items to fit that theme. For example, if you know someone likes movies, buy a dvd, some candy, gourmet popcorn, and a cozy blanket- now you have a movie night gift! Other themes can include Home Spa Day, Family Game Night, Date Night, Game Day, or just about anything you can think of.
I hope some of these ideas have helped! Happy Shopping!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Happy Halloween!
I hope this post finds you safe in the company of people you love! Today is Halloween, but for many of us in the path of Hurricane Sandy, it is just one of the first days of recovery. I hope that each and every one of you is safe and sound. I was lucky to have only lost power, though many others have lost so much more. I will keep them in my thoughts. In times like this, we must work together to rebuild.
I had planned Halloween makeup and nail tutorials and vlogs (pictured above), but I was without power for 2 days and unable to upload anything in a timely manner. Below is a picture of what I had planned (silvery eye look with a cute witch hat). Again, I hope all is well! Be safe.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
BBW: Late Fall and Early Winter Test Scents
Sweater Weather - cool and soothing. Its hard to explain, but it does remind me of cool days and sweaters lol.
Cedarwood Oak- I can't place specific notes in this one, but it's just so nice. I guess I smell the oak, but really its just a smooth, pretty fall-ish scent. I'm sorry that's not a good description.
Pumpkin carvings- awesome pumpkin pie goodness.
Blueberry Pumpkin Patch- like blueberry muffins! Its supposed to be blueberry, pumpkin, and vanilla praline. I think the blueberry and praline notes are what combine to make it smell like muffins. The pumpkin is not noticeable on the surface, but there is an underlying spice note that could be the pumpkin. Its very nice.
Cinnamon Frosting (holiday collection)- butter cream, cinnamon, and cloves. The butter cream is the top note, strong and buttery. Then you smell sweet cloves and a bit of cinnamon. Its not really spicy. I would eat this by the spoonful if it was real lol
Things I sniffed but didn't buy-
toffee popcorn, twisted peppermint, winter candy apple, vanilla bean noel, evergreen, mocha peppermint cookie, hot buttered rum, and nutmeg and clove- they all smell exactly like those things. I'm sorry I don't have great descriptions, but they just smell exactly like what they say they do. Very straightforward.
Holiday- exactly like cinnamon red hot candies! sweet notes with hot cinnamon. I'm definitely getting this when it comes out. SA said they think its a definite.
Fireside- amazing. fireplaces and incense and just SO GOOD. also a definite.
sandalwood vanilla- smells like both these things, but warm and heavy.
cashmere- I couldn't get a good read on this one. I think maybe vanilla? by then, my nose had stopped working lol.
sugar and spice- cinnamon/clove spice with a sweet sugary scent. not a baked scent. not too strong.
peach bellini- this was a fizzy peach smell. nice, but I don't really think it fits the theme.
Tis the season- sweet, berry or candy smell, slight hint of something earthy like fir or pine tree
vanilla snowflake- a cool vanilla
frosted cranberry- enough like cranberry woods to not justify buying it again. maybe a bit sweeter.
farm apple cookie - oatmeal cookies and red apples
I may have forgot or messed up things, but I was in a frenzy and I apologize lol. Test store listed a few posts back.
I am definitely going back for Holiday and Fireside, and maybe Tis the Season and Sandalwood Vanilla.
Hope this helps!
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