My Second Half

Me and my nephew right after crossing the finish line

This past Saturday I ran my second half marathon. It was cold and pouring rain pretty much the entire time, but I enjoyed myself, and I'm a lot more proud of myself this time around than I am with my first one. Even though I didn't PR I still feel pretty good about how I finished and I'm definitely not giving up on the running this time 'round!

My times for both were 2 hours 49 minutes and 36 seconds, yeah, down to the second. Not great times, I'd really like to try for 2 hours next year (yup, I'm gonna do it again). However, despite the same times there were some definite differences between the two races. For my first race, in 2010, I had trained a bit differently. I used the same training plan from The Running Company's website for both races, however for the first one I didn't really do any cross training at all (besides walking home from the U every other day, which is over 1 mile, but I don't know that I'd consider that adequate cross training), and I really didn't push myself at all during my runs or during the race. And although I only started major cross training a few weeks before the race the second time around I can say that it has made a huge difference.

I've never ran any other races, not even a 5k, so I'm not sure how to compare, but in my opinion running a race is at least 50% mental if not more. And, I think for my first half I just wasn't in it. I dunno, but when I compare the two it seems like I should have ran my first race much quicker because I was about 18 pounds lighter and had done more running, especially outdoor running. Honestly, this time around I wasn't great about keeping my running schedule. I had a hard time motivating myself to get out of bed early on Monday mornings. And, I didn't do very many long runs outside this winter (and treadmill running is very different than running outside, even if you're running on flat sidewalk).

During my first race I walked, a lot and I didn't push myself very hard. I really didn't. When I got tired I stopped to walk, and I walked at every water station. I probably walked just under half of that race. Whereas this time around I walked maybe 1/5 of the time. I still walked at every water station (I just can't drink and run at the same time) and I walked up the two small hills at Sugar House Park and 2 more time for about 2 minutes. I'm really disappointed that I didn't push myself harder the first time around. This time, the longest run I had done was on a treadmill and was only 10.5 miles, and I hadn't done as many runs either. But, I was able to push myself to run almost that whole time, and while I may have been running really slowly I was still running and in cold temps and in the pouring rain. I was seriously soaked to the bone and it took me about 5 hours to warm up after I stopped running (including a 40 minute boiling hot shower). This second race has really taught me a lesson. I mean it. I have never pushed myself so hard before, so close the absolute limit, and I liked it. I couldn't believe what I was capable of doing. At one moment during the race I stopped to walk and after about 10 seconds I thought to myself, why am I walking? Yeah, I'm tired but I wasn't about to fall on the ground and die, so I started running again and it was a great feeling.

So, all in all, I'm really happy that I was able to push myself so much more this time and even though it sounds like a horrible thing (and some moments were not fun, like the first half of the last mile when I thought I wasn't sure it would ever end), it was a really fun experience and the spectators are really awesome. Not that there are very many, but they are hilarious and can really lift your spirits. This year my older sister ran it as well, and while we didn't run together the whole time I am so impressed and inspired by her. I can't say that I ever thought she'd run a half marathon, but she did! She is also participating in the Wasatch Ragnar which totally freaks me out, but I couldn't be more excited for her.

Winter Skin Survival Check List

I have so many things I need/want to post about but this one probably shouldn't wait until, say, spring since it's a seasonal post.

In past years my skin never reacted badly to winter, and I could never relate to people who said that winter was hard on their skin. This year is totally different and I don't know exactly why but my skin has been super sensitive and dry. It has taken a while but I've tried a few products and have discovered some great gems that really have been saving my skin this winter.

first off, let's talk scalp. My scalp is very sensitive and gets itchy and dry in the winter and my hot showers do not help one bit. I can't give them up though, and don't plan to. My solution for my dry itchy winter scalp: Lisa's Hair Elixir by Carol's Daughter. It's a gentle scalp and hair oil treatment that I use about once or twice a week and it really saves me. There are several ways of using it, you can rub on your scalp and ends before showering or as I like to, as a hot oil treatment before your shower. One main reason why I like this product is that it's effective and cheap! An 8 oz. bottle is only $20. That might seem like a lot but I did my research here and a lot of other scalp treatments are much more expensive and come in 2, 3 or 4 oz bottles. You can pick it up at your local Sephora or online here.

Next up Hands and Cuticles! L'Occitane is probably my most favorite skin care company (well, it probably ties with Kiehl's). Anyway, the best hand lotion that I've come across is L'Occitane's Shea Butter Hand Cream. It's amazing. It has 20% pure Shea Butter in it and it's basically amazing. I have probably three or four tubes of it floating around. I carry it everywhere. They sell it at J.crew as well as Nordstrom, Sephora or if you're lucky you might have a L'Occitane store near you. If not, you can find it from Sephora here. My next weapon also comes from L'Occitane and it's their 100% Pure Shea Butter. I only recently discovered this product and it is saving my cuticles. I rub a tad on at night and then usually once during the day if I think of it. You can find it as well at Sephora, Nordstroms and again at your local L'Occitane. It comes in a little container but it's one of those products where a little goes a long way.

Now on to lips. There are a lot of lip products that I really like. These are a few of my favs right now: L'Occitane (like I said, one of my fav brands) has done it again! Their lip balm has 10% Shea Butter and is prefectly moisturizing and I also love the smell/taste (always a bonus, right?). Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 is a classic and is a great choice. It also comes in great flavors, I currently own the pear and it's delightful! The one thing that I sometimes don't love about this lip balm is that it's much more like a gloss than a balm. It's not thick or sticky but it doesn't go on as a stick. Another that I've been enjoying lately is the classic Rosebud Salve. It's great for lips and cuticles as well, but I'm gonna be honest and say that I don't love the rose scent (as a general rule I'm not a huge fan of fake floral scents. Don't get me wrong there is nothing better than real flowers but fake...meh). Also, it's a tad sticky or greasy or something so I usually only put it on my fingers at night. You can find all of these at Sephora except for Kiehl's which you can find at Nordstroms or if they have a store near you.

I hope winter isn't wreaking havoc on your skin like it is mine!

Honey Pack Facial aka the ONE ingredient facial

I've been really wishing I could afford to get extractions, but they are pretty much $100 bones. What are extractions you ask? They are this amazing facial process that clears your pores, removing black heads and decreasing the size of your pores. Pretty much they sound amazing.

I was complaining to my friend at work about my lack of extraction funds and she informed me she used to be an esthetician. Well, she said she went to school for it in Idaho but that the requirements in Utah are different and she was too lazy to go back to school. Anyway....she was telling me that she used to give facials a lot and that they pretty much only used honey. HONEY!

She told me of a client she had who, when he first came to her was pretty much a pizza face, but after a few months he had nice clear skin. I almost didn't want to believe her, because I have heard of a lot of home made facials, and it just seems like they couldn't really be that effective but how could I not at least give it a try if it works so well according to her (and she's a profesh. I'm not).

I have only tried it a few times and I think I will continue to try to do it twice a week. After just a few times though my face at least feels better if there aren't any (yet) visible changes.

Honey Pack:

You will need 100 % pure honey. If you aren't sure if your honey is pure or raw or whatever, check to see if it has an ingredient list. If it does (have anything other than honey listed) that is NOT what you want. It can't have anything else in it and especially NOT sugar.

You will also need clean fingers and a clean face.

Using about a nickel sized dab of honey (use more if you need more) lightly rub it onto your face, focusing on your trouble spots. After your have it on your face you will use ONLY your middle and ring fingers to pat your face. You'll pat your face for probably about 10 mintues. Keep patting your face until the honey is either not sticky anymore or it starts to sting. For me I waited until it was stinging. It wasn't stingy because of the honey sitting on my face it was because of the patting. After the honey has been on your face for a while it'll kind of "pull" against your face when you are patting. I don't really know how to explain it, but I think that might be how it clears your pores because it really feels like it's pulling your face. Once you're ready take the honey off just rinse your face under water.

I hope this makes sense to you all. I'll keep you posted on if/when I start seeing real results. Also, let me know if you have any questions about it, I asked my friend a ton of questions about it so hopefully I know all there is to know about the honey pack.

Update No. 5: Make up

This update is out of order, but I really felt the need to post it today. About three weeks ago (and last week) I acquired some new beauty products and I've rediscovered some old favs. Mostly just straight up make up but one new hair product. I took a picture of them and a few close ups (I figure that my make up posts are probably really boring and pictures might actually entice you to read them. Or not).

Old Favs: Mac Paint Pot in Painterly. It's a great matte base for my eyelids. I use a small Mac brush to apply (not sure which brush, I should have included it). I really like it because it doesn't add a lot of color but has a perfect tone for my eyelids. I probably wouldn't use it if I was going to add a lot of color to my lid but for lighter lid tones it's a great base. Another fav is my Mac eyeshadow in Naked Lunch (I forgot to include the picture, but it's almost gone, and with the light in my bathroom you probably wouldn't be able to see it's wonderful color). It's a great, very light champagne-y shimmer. I love using it to brighten up my inner lid and around the tear-area. I also use it a lot to blend dark colors around my brow bone, basically I use it for pretty much everything. Another rediscovery is two great colors in my Mac eyeshadow kit shown. I love the two middle colors: Hush a Plum and Trax. The first is a great matte color and the second is a very beautiful dark shimmery purple. It's not too purpley though, you know? I'm not swiping on some grape Popsicle color on. It's a great color for me because I've got hazel eyes and they really bring out the green.

The hair product is Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. It's supposed to help enhance beach waves. I've only used it a few times and want to give it a few more shots. However, every time I've used it, by the time I get home and look in the mirror I'm not thrilled with what I see. My hair looks messy, and separated, but not in the way that most people wish their curls were separated, and it also looks a tad frizzy. I'd really like to love it because I love the other B&B products I've tried.

New make up finds: I finally got the Nars Orgasm stick, and if you don't remember I've been really interested in trying it. My Mom bought the powder version of this and it's really great on her. She and I (although I think I may have a bit more pink undertones) have similar coloring and so I thought it'd be great on me. It's...okay. I haven't decided yet. I rub it on the apple of my cheek (that's where blush goes if you didn't know) and then sort of rub it in a bit with my finger. I just can't tell if it's a good color for me. It's got a lot of shimmer to it and it's a bit more orangey-golden. It's not straight up orange, but I just don't know how to explain it. It would look fabulous on someone with more freckles, pinker skin and definitely someone who is a lot tanner. I don't know, I'm going to give it some more goes. My new bathroom lighting is throwing me off completely but I'm getting the hang of it.

I also got some Nars eyeshadow. The duo shown is called: Habanera.The color on the left is a really stunning, shimmery brown with some purple to it. The other color, while very pretty is a bit of a pickle for me. It's very icey blue when it goes on and this type of color is very foreign to me. I need to experiment more with it, cause it's so pretty but it really stands out when it goes on.

In my past make up posts I had purchased the Mac Studio Tech and was pretty happy with it. But, I had heard that Shiseido made a great concealer that really lasted. Since I'm outside a lot (no car) and the temps are really starting to creep up I want something that isn't going to melt off my face. I ordered their Natural Finish Cream Concealer and I really like it. You only need a tad but I love it for my under eye area. I don't like to put a heavy concealer there since the skin is so tender and I like this one a lot.

I have also begun trying what's offered at the grocery store. There are, like, 3 aisles of make up at my Smiths and then at the Target near me I think there are 5+ so there's gotta be something worthwhile there, right? Well, I picked up L'Oreal's Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base and it comes in a little pot, you can see it to the left in my pic. Today was the first day trying it on under make up (yesterday I had the day off and didn't wear make up but put this on to see how I liked the feel). So far, I love it! I previously wasn't using a face/make up primer (other than the Nars for my eyes, see previous post) and I love the way this has made my face feel. It has made my face feel so silky and soft. So far, I HIGHLY recommend it.

Next from the grocery store is the Almay One Coat, Get Up and Grow Mascara. I read that it was a great mascara for definition and to help keep your eyelashes healthy. I've had it for about a month now and it's not bad. It reminds me of this Clinique mascara that I used to swear by. It's great for separation but as far as volume it's not great.

I have a list of a few to try but I'll just let you know as I pick them up.

Make up from my last post I'm still using: MAC eye shadow in Mulch, MAC Pain Pot in Reubenesque and I'm using Reubenesque with my new Nars eyeshadow. MAC blush in Well Dressed.

recent, and FINAL makeup/skin care purchases, at least for a while

Before I left on spring break I ordered a whole slue of products! Really, like, a lot.

I told you all how I thought I needed something to cover up my minor dark spots under my eyes so I was perusing some products and settled on the MAC Studio Tech. It's a creamy foundation, and while it's a foundation and not a concealer it's pretty much the same thing. I would never use it as a foundation because it seems like it would be too heavy, and I like to feel like I'm barely wearing anything, so I use a concealer brush to pat some on under my eyes and my chin and around my nose before my bare escentuals go on. The cool thing about the MAC site is that you can go through this tutorial about finding what foundation/concealer products work best for you, even blush (if I remember correctly) and that's how I found the Studio Tech and my shade. They have so many foundation type products I couldn't have chosen without this tool, I don't think. So far I love it. I also chose some blush from them. It's a pressed powder one, called Well Dressed. It's a very light pink. When I saw the color in the compact I was a little nervous about how it would go on, but it gives me a very subtle pink hue that I really like. I also ordered two eye shadows from MAC. I chose Mulch and Reubenesque (it's actually a paint pot). It helps give me a really nice brown smokey eye. Since my make up regime is very minimal this works well because I don't end up with a really exaggerated smokey eye that comes with using black shadows. So basically you put the Reubenesque on first with your finger, just smudge it on your eyelid, and then use a brush to press on the Mulch all over your lid, up until your eye socket line (when you open your eyes it's that crease in your eyelid, if that helps) and then with a clean brush or finger or whatever you just blend that edge, then add some liner and mascara and voile! brown smokey eye! While I was in Cali I visited the Nordy's at Fashion Island and picked up a pro longwear from the MAC counter. I can't remember what it's called at the moment (it's at home and I'm blogging on the comp. at school). However, it's a very bright, dark pink. It's perfect for me because I can't wear red lipstick at all, just doesn't work, but I'd like to have that sort of "red lipstick" look, you know? Well this is dark enough of a pink and bright enough that it totally does the job, and lasts! It really lasts.

Then, from Sephora I ordered the NARS eyeshadow primer (I already told you about this I think) and boy is it amazing, works perfectly. Even with a few layers of shadow on after about 6 hours I still had it on just as I applied it. I also use some on my under eye because I have problems with mascara running there. I also refilled on my Bare Escentuals foundation.

Now, I have to stop purchasing makeup, I could literally spend EVERY cent on make up. Not that I'd be proud of it, but I could. I really could.  

more make-up purchases aka I'm now a make-up shopaholic

Okay, so after deciding that I needed a blush I went searching around, during my search I also decided that it might be worthwhile to try an actual good concealer. But then again, maybe it was because I was watching a make-up vid (pixi2woo's again) and she was using a MAC studio concealer under her eyes and it looked amazing on her, so I thought it might work for me too, if I'm lucky? So I hopped on over to mac's site and purchased a powder blush in posey (I think, man I'm bad, I can't even remember the name anymore) and then a studio concealer.

The thing is, I think when I was about 16 I'm pretty sure I had this (studio concealer), and ended up not loving it. But my face was very different then. I was still dealing with the fun of being a teenager and experiencing break outs and different treatments for acne which also meddled with my skin. I'm hoping I like it this time. Mostly because I've recently gotten circles under my eyes. They aren't so dark, a little pinky-purpley so maybe this will nip it in the bud? I tried using my bare escentuals (true spelling, I checked!) it wasn't amazing. I love my bare escentuals for balancing out my over all skin tone and it works well to help hide my redness around the nose and chin but it's not amazing for covering up major problems.

Price- On another note, I was sort of comparing prices, and it looks like Mac is actually really reasonably priced. I was considering the Nars multiple stick (I previously mentioned I didn't want to purchase it online because I couldn't decide which shade) but then I looked at their price and Mac's and I decided to go with Mac's, plus the shade pictures on mac are a little easier to discern, at least I hope. I really wanted a light pinkish hue and I didn't see one, or at least couldn't tell which to  pick from the Nars multiple. 

I'll let you know on this.
Also, I've done a bad thing and memorized my debit card number.

Also, maybe I should just limit my make-up stuff to a once a month short update, cause apparently it's all I blog about lately. Although, I feel like this will just be a phase because I can't usually afford make-up (thank you tax return!).

makeup purchases

My samples are dwindling and it was time to make a decision regarding all things: lotion, face wash, foundation. I decided to purchase both my lotion and face wash from Estee Lauder. The lotion was a tough choice between Etee's Hydrationist and L'occitane's Shea Face Cream. In the end I felt like the Hydrationist was a very luxurious lotion (much like l'occitane's) but that it was also more sensitive for my face. I love L'occitane's products (esp. their hand lotion) but the shea face cream kind of felt like a really nice, thick hand lotion and that it was just too much for my face. So that was the final decision. I also purchased the Estee lauder Perfectly Clean Light Lotion Cleanser. It's really gentle and takes away makeup fabulously. I have to say that I have a really hard time with my mascara bleeding after a full day and previously I would just wet my finger and try to rub it away; but I've realized this is being too harsh on the delicate skin around my eyes. The lotion cleanser is perfect, you lightly swipe some on and it gently wipes it away. I really do like it. I'll probably still use my neutrogena face wash every few days(which I still do like, I use the cream cleanser fyi), especially after work outs.
As far as foundation goes I am sticking with my Bare Escentuals (or however weird way they spell it) powder. I really like it, so easy to use and it really does freshen up my face. I did however, watch a youtube video from Pixi2woo's channel (she's a makeup artist) and the video of her creating a spring look shows her putting on some liquid foundation that looks amazing on her. Maybe I'll have to revisit that video and try it out next time I go for samples.
I also purchased a few more items, a few eyeshadows from Mac (I'm pretty sure I'll really like them, no need to test), and then some eyeshadow primer from Nars (it's supposedly awesome, and I've already told you I have issues with mascara bleeding and also with eyeshadow creases).

Currently I am on the look out for a good blush. I have the bronzer-powder-stuff from bare escentuals and I do like it, but I kind of think I want something with a little more color to it, and not just brown. I'm looking for a light pink cause my skin is very fair and has pink undertones. I've heard that Nars Multiple stick is fabulous but I can't tell from the colors online which color would be best for me. So that might have to wait till my next shopping trip.

This saturday I am going to the Gap in search of jeans. My current pair have a lovely hole right in the crotch (not so lovely) and I've asked around and everyone seems to think they have good jeans, plus I have 30% off. I'll let you know how that goes.

Today I got a hair cut (FINALLY!!!) and decided to cut some bangs. I've been pretty bored with my hair lately and have been just doing buns, and I've even gone a few too many days without washing it and I just didn't care (I know, gross. It wasn't really that bad, but I could tell it should have been washed). They are really cute, I think, I hope they are and that I don't think they're cute just because they're different. It's been about 6 yearsish since I've had bangs and so we'll see how it goes. So far I love 'em. I haven't told the boyf. yet about the cut, hopefully he doesn't read this before seeing me tonight. And hopefully he likes 'em too. Although, I have a feeling as long as my hair is more than 3 inches long he'll be happy.

skincare update

I've had a while to try out my samples and see what works and what doesn't, and I have a few interesting finds.

First off, about after a week of using these nice creams and washing my face every morning and night (which I admit was not something I did regularly) my face freaked out! I started breaking out in weird places, like high up on my cheek, and I now have this weird patch of skin on my cheek that feels sort of scaley (but you can't tell just by looking at it, I hope!). And it sounds like I was suddenly attacked by a plague of zits, but it wasn't all that bad, but a zit is a zit and one in a weird place like that is bad enough, let alone a couple more on my chin. This is also bad because sometimes when I wake up for school I'm too lazy for makeup and then I end up going the whole day without any to cover them up. I know, I'm gross.

So, I sort of changed things up a tad, and I also started swimming, which may be playing a part in this as well, I don't know, but I didn't start swimming when/before the breakout happened, only this week have I been swimming (more on that in a later post). I changed to only using the Argan Oil (Josie Maran) for after reg. washes. I feel like maybe the other creams were too heavy for after every wash. Then, after swimming or after using the face complexion brush I use one of the heavier, more luxurious creams. I'm now still having to decide between the Estee Lauder Hydration Lotion and the L'occitane Shea Face Cream. I love the thick texture of the L'occitane but I don't love the smell of it. hmmm.....but I also love the Estee Lauder one. I've still got ample of both left, so I will still have to decide on this, plus they are both pretty much the exact same price so that's not going to help me decide. I also like the Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Lotion Cleanser, but I only use it on days when I haven't worked out, and if I remember to or think I need to wash.

Now, as for regularity of washing, I've found that I don't need to wash every morning and night. And I KNOW this is awful, and you should always wash etc etc. but the constant washing is not working for me, plus I don't wear heavy makeup hardly ever and if I ever do wear a lot or even mascara I always wash then, because I hate the feeling of sleeping with mascara on. But I just can't wash every second, it's killing my face. But, what I DO do that works wonders for me is I swipe my face with tea tree oil blotting tissues in the morning if (I'm not going to wash). It's amazing. I tell you the power of Tea Tree oil is so great, everyone needs a small bottle of it as well as the blotting tissues (I got my tissues at the body shop). I'm so happy I had the Tea Tree Oil around when I had my breakout attack, it really does help.

Also in the way of makeup, I'm just going to stick with my bare minerals. I love how easy it is to use, and I LOVE the way it conceals. It does have an spf in it so I'm just gonna keep it. I do need to buy some more soon too. I'm just not a fan of the liquid or the tinted moisturizer. As much as I wish I loved it, I don't. I don't know how to conceal with it and I can't use a moisturizer underneath it, but I don't like it as a moisturizer either. So I'm sticking to my powder.

Skincare samples!

This past weekend was my big skincare/shopping expedition! I was accompanied by two of my best friends who are great to have around for opinions and help in justifying any purchase.

Over the past few weeks I've been reading up on reviews of mostly moisturizers, tinted moisturizers, cleansers and lip balms. These are the things I need/use most and therefore want the best that's out there. And I can tell you now I have so many samples I probably won't know till the end of this week or maybe even the next which I like best, but I can at least tell you what I've got and what I like so far etc. (be prepared for a longish post)

Before I begin let me tell you that I have normal skin with a slight tendency to break out (if I'm not exercising some, drinking some water and eating decently (which for me isn't really that healthy)). But for the most part I have normal skin, very fair and with some freckles. Just so you can take into account that this is how things are working for my skin.

I bought a few items, the Korres lip butter in the Quince tint. So far this has been exactly what I've been looking for (except that it doesn't seem to have any spf, but I have other chappys that do). It is so creamy, and chemical free! I know a lot of people don't like balms that they have to apply with their hands and they have it offered in a "glaze" version in a squeeze tube, it is however a few more dollars. Whenever I buy a lip balm or a lip gloss it has to be something that makes a difference (color/tint) but that I can still apply without a mirror. This is the answer, and another bonus you can even use a bit of it for cheek stain (this however, requires a specific technique. You must first get some on your finger and then gently (don't force it off) swipe it on the back of your hand to get off excess and then rub in a circle on your cheek, if you need more you can always go back to the excess you swiped off, but this helps prevent a giant glob of pink on your cheek that you have to remove).
-I do have another lip gloss fav but it's 20+ dollars! and this korres is only 10. It's Smashbox's O-glow. It goes on clear but then changes to match your skin tone. I was always skeptical about such things (see: mood rings) but this was perfect for me, and easy since it's a gloss, but like I said, it's pricey and can't be bought often.

The next lineup includes moisturizers. I bought Josie Maran's Argan Natural Oil. It was one of the most reviewed I found and almost everyone loved it, so I thought (since it was such a small bottle and only $14) I'd just buy it and try it out, and if I didn't love it on my face I could use it elsewhere). I've used it either after morning or night face washings every day since I bought it (except for last night and this morning). I have decided that I really like it. It is an oil so you have to get used to rubbing an oil in your skin (which seems so backwards because weren't we always told not to get oil based products? but I think that since this is an actual natural oil and not some face wash with chemicals it's okay, at least I hope so). But it is actually lightweight and two drops covers my face and cuticles, so a little goes a LONG way. Another plus, it can be used for cuticles, split ends of your hair (tried this, and I think it works okay, helps give a moisture boost) and other areas you need moisture. I will however advise against putting a tinted moisturizer on top of this, it's just too much moisture for your face, or I suppose if you were using a really creamy, thick foundation I'd stick clear of this.
Sephora doesn't have Josie Maran's full product line, at fashion place (they said they'd be getting it soon) so they didn't have the spf one, but next time I suppose.

The next one I've tried is Estee Lauder's Hydration lotion. I've only used it at night, but so far I think I like it. I would definitely recommend for dry skin, it's very creamy and I really liked the way my skin felt afterward, it felt very luxurious if that makes any sense. I've only used it once or twice so I'll have to keep you updated on this one. But so far I like it.

The next one I got a sample of is L'occitane's face shea butter. I've only tried it once, last night. Afterwards I smelled like baby powder, so if you like that smell then you'll love it. And boyf said I smelled like makeup. It did have a very nice feel to it, similar to Estee Lauder's hydration in that it felt like I was putting something that costs a million bucks on my face. I'm going to keep trying it, and I'll keep you updated on this one.

The next sample I got was for Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer. Apparently they are famous for their tinted moisturizer (a fact I was unaware of until saturday). I have used it twice, once on top of the argan oil which was too oily, I was dabbing off my chin after about an hour, but obviously two moisturizers is one too many. And then I tried it today after washing my face and without any moisturizer under. So far it seems to be okay, I wonder if I need the next tone up because the last time I looked in the mirror I looked quite pale, and a little sick (but then again my peach shirt color isn't helping any, def. not my color-online purchase, it happens you know?). I didn't put any blush on so maybe that would help. The only concern I have with the tinted moisturizer is putting on concealer. How do I do this? And the current concealer I have is a powder, can I just put this on top? I didn't try it today, so I guess that'll be tomorrow's test run. But it is easy to use, just rub on with your fingers and it's got spf which is a huge plus. It is $42, so I don't know how I feel about that. It comes in a decent sized bottle, but man why does skincare have to be so expensive?

The next sample I have is a cleanser. It's Estee Lauder's Perfectly Clean Light Lotion Cleanser. It's a product that I've never even heard of existing on the market (but apparently it's an idea that's been around for a while). It's a lotion cleanser that you rub on dry skin and then rinse off. It's kind of weird to rub a lotion on your dry skin on top of makeup and then rinse it off and your skin is clean. So far I love it! And with normal skin I hardly have to put on any moisturizer afterwards (when I use at night), I still do of course put a bit on just to make sure I've got enough for my skin. But if you have foundation, concealer and just normal make up on it's great at taking it off gently, but if you have crazy smoky eyes, or glitter on your face I wouldn't count on this alone or at least one wash of it to take that all off, but since I hardly ever put that much makeup on I don't really need to worry about that. I think it'll be one that I end up buying after my samples all used up.

I did also buy Sephoras face complexion brush. It's a small brush that you use to help exfoliate your face. I thought this was genius, and only $5 is going to save me a lot of money. This way I can use this with my regular skin cleanser two or three times a week to exfoliate my face without having to buy a separate face wash to exfoliate my skin. Great, huh? I've used it once and plan on using it again tonight after the gym to get all my sweaty grossness and makeup off. I'm pretty excited about this thing. It's very soft to the touch of your hand, but it's not super soft on your face, it's not harsh though, just what I would expect from exfoliating beads in a face wash. But, I think the key is to only use it a few times a week and not at every wash because that might be taking too much off your face.

I did also get two perfume samples, just for fun. I got one of Marc Jacobs new Daisy. I really like it, but it seems to fade easily. But since I now have a sample bottle maybe I could just keep some in there and tote it around with me? But that's kind of annoying. The other I got was Dior's Miss Cherie. I haven't tried it yet, so I'll let you know. Perfumes are fun for me, I feel like a whole new person when I have a completely new scent. 

This concludes my review (I did also get an eyeliner pencil from sephora but it's just a basic dark brown one, nothing special works just like it should). I will say that with skincare it can be so expensive that I will definitely have to pick and choose what I get from the grocery store and what I spend the money on. I will definitely be spending money on moisturizer (once I choose which to get, other than the oil) and I think I will keep getting the korres lip balm (it's only $10) and whether I decide to stick with the powder foundation/concealer that I currently have (It's bare essentials and it works fine, just wanted to try a tinted moisturizer) or if I decide to switch to Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer. I will continue to get my mascara from the grocery store. I use it maybe 5 times a month and therefore do not want to spend $14+ on it every few months. I also am going to try a grocery store version of a brow pencil (although I'm a little wary of this because I love the mac pencil that I used and am now out of). I'll let you know what I decide on that. If you use mascara a lot and want a good one, I think that clinique's (don't normally like clinique) high definition (I think that's what it's called, it comes in a dark shiny green(very dark almost black) tube). I hate the clumpy look and this is definitely not for you if that's what you're going for, it's more about length and defining what you have, but I think it's $14 or $16. so If you want to spend that on mascara I'd recommend it.

Okay, now I'm done.

Current Workout Regime

With my new found devotion to the fieldhouse I've had a few people ask me about what I do there in the way of working out. I will tell you! (although, I think that most people that read this have already asked me, but I have some pictures to show! yay for pictures!)

In a perfect world I can work out 3 times a week for an hour or an hour and half. Although, sometimes I have to skip a day or I have to cut it down to 40-45 minutes.

I'm going to tell you what I do when I have all the time needed, and then at the end I'll let you know my condensed regime.

To start out I like to spend 15 minutes on the stair master machine. I usually choose the "fat burner" workout at level 5 (I started at level 4). I actually really like the stair master because I really feel a serious burn, it's hard and I can tell that it's helping add some muscle to my thighs, which is where I currently lack muscle.

Then I move over to the weight room. I love my iphone because I can listen to my workout playlist and have all the photos that I take from magazines of routines and things to do with weights. I'll just post the photos and hope that they are pretty explanatory for you.

this one is sideways so I'll offer some explanation. I usually do this one with 8 lb. weights, and you start off with your legs a little more than shoulder-width apart, feet pointed at 45 degree angles. While keeping your back straight and palms facing each other lower your arms and bend down (still keeping back straight) till your hands are level with the middle of your shins, and then return to starting position. I do this 12 times, and while it doesn't seem hard at all when I do the first few reps after about 5 I start to really feel it in my lower back.

I guess I'll have to give a little explanation on each since they turned out so dark. This one starts out with the same stance as the previous one, with the 45 degree angled feet, etc and even with your arms at sides, palms inward. Begin squatting, keeping knees bent and behind toes. During squat do 2 hammer curls, palms in, elbows by sides. Return to start position. It says to repeat 5 times, I however have been trying to repeat 10 times.

Along with these weight lifting routines I also do some tricep kickback, and tricep raises behind the head/neck. I assume that most of you know about these.

After some weight stuff I move on to the bikes, and I have a great bike routine. If you decide to try the bikes I suggest riding the bikes that resemble actual bikes; the ones with nice cushy seats that are more like desk chairs are not going to give you the full workout that you need, however I suppose if you need to start really basic then that's an okay place to start.

I think my bike routine is easier to see; the far left column is minutes and the middle left shows what to do during that time. I really enjoy it, I totally feel crazy burn, especially when I do the "stand up and climb", the first few times I tried this I could only stand up and climb for 2 minutes, but I finally can do 3 full minutes.

This is usually where I end my workout, but if I have extra time I like to walk around the track upstairs and hopefully run around a few laps, but I'm usually too exhausted to run around more than 3 times. 

Now, If I can't complete my full workout I skip the stair master machine and go right on to weights. I've read that it's good to start out with weights because it keeps you burning fat for longer after you finish the weights, and then I move on to the bike. 

Now you know what I do at the fieldhouse, and so far I'm really liking it. And While I've only been going for about a month and half I can definitely feel and see the results, and they aren't amazing, yet, but what I have seen/felt is great for the amount of time I've been going. Plus, if I go 35 times I get a short sleeve t-shirt! yay for free t-shirts!

V-day and Tea Tree Oil

I'm doing something bad and combining a "beauty" post with a reg. post, but oh well. live with it.

So Valentines day was yesterday! woo! I had the greatest valentines surprise from my niece and nephews who brought me very cute princess and spiderman valentines and some delicious cupcakes (made by their mom, although I'm sure they helped, probably mostly in the test tasting area). One of my favorite memories from my sister-in-law was a valentines day about 4 (is that how long it's been since I've been out of high school? I don't even know) years ago when she and my oldest nephew (who was just a little guy then) brought me a giant heart shaped cookie into my government class. It was so cute, and I was so excited to see them. And the best part? the cookie was delish!
While that was a great valentines, the past two years have been extra great because I've had my honey around. This year we sort of celebrated a little differently. On saturday I attended my cousin's funeral (very sad day) and the weekend was just a hard one (don't you always feel so emotionally and physically exhausted when dealing with something like that?) and boyf could tell. We had sort of made makeshift plans for monday to go to dinner or something, but boyf took me out on saturday to one of our favorite sushi places and it totally lifted my spirits. Then afterward he gave me my gift which I was so excited about (although you may not be). I had always thought that "bobble" water bottles were so cute and very functional, so he got me two of them (if you don't know about them they are very cute, while they also have a filter in them which is great for me because now I can drink from the water fountain at work that all the kids suck on). Needless to say it was great, and very mood lifting. On monday I gave him his gift (tried to give it on sunday but it ended up not fitting correctly, and needed to be exchanged) of a few hot sauces from the hot sauce store in gateway, as well as a yummy Swedish meatball and zucchini dinner.
All I have to say is that this month is turning out to be a complete roller coaster and I'm very glad that I have boyf to help me through all of it. It's nice to have him there just to hold me and give me eskimo kisses.

Moving on (wow, that was a lot longer than I had originally planned). My first purchase towards great skin came with the purchase of 100% tea tree oil from whole foods. If you don't know this is what (at least what I've found from multiple sources) tea tree oil can help with:
-dry, itchy scalp
-zaps zits
-help with congestion (rub on chest at night)
-aromatherapy in baths
-bug bites
-athletes foot (did NOT purchase for this use)
-it also can be used for a plethora of house hold cleaners

I purchased it to help zap any zits that may pop up and for my scalp. During the winter my scalp becomes dry and itchy. Not so much flaky, but I can tell it's crying out for some help. I've only had it a few days and I've only used it on my scalp once so far but I can tell the difference. The few trouble spots slash minor zits I've used it on has really helped. I put it on at night and then in the morning redness has faded and its much smaller, easily covered up. I should have taken pictures to show you, but that's kind of gross. I will warn you that it has a strong odor. It's not anything bad, but very sort of pine tree-esque. Not quite, but that's pretty much all I can compare it too. Anyway, can't wait to try it on mosquito bites come summer/spring.
And of course, I'll keep you updated on the many uses I find for it and the results as well.

health and beauty

As you can plainly see I just added a new "page" to my blog entitled "Health and Beauty". Now, I wanted another venue to post about these topics but it looks like I can not post more than one thing on this new page at a time. Bummer, (come on blogger, this would be the perfect solution to people starting and abandoning so many blogs). So I don't know what to do. When I have something new (and related to these subjects) to post should I just post them in my regular blog or should I start a new blog? Mostly I am leaning to just keep everything in one place, my life is not exciting or interesting enough to have a blog devoted to health and beauty (or my poor attempts to achieve those) and then my silly pictures of boyf and the possibly cute pictures of nieces and nephews. But, I do want a way to sort of separate them, or at least have a place that I (and you, all you readers out there) can go to for just those things. hmmm....I'm so unsure right now.
Please offer your suggestions.