S T I T C H * F I X

For the last year or two, I stare at all my clothes in my closet and end up wearing about 1/4 of them.  Maybe it's just hitting 30 and nothing seems to fit right?  I don't know what finally got me motivated but I decided to do a massive cleanse of the closet and donate a ton of clothes.

So now what?  I have nothing to wear!

I decided to sign up for StitchFix!  It sounds like perfection - simply fill out the Style Profile and the personal stylist handpicks a selection of five clothing items and accessories unique to my taste, budget, and lifestyle.  About a week later, it's sent right to my doorstep (I hate shopping malls!) and I can try everything on at home....keep what I like and return the rest!  I ended up receiving and keeping items I would have never picked for myself.  I LOVE IT!

I love how my personal stylist visited my Pinterest site to learn more about my style preferences!  She even picked my favorite piece (black and white dress) based off something I pinned...so creative!

So I ended up getting five items:

Beige Wrap Scarf - $32.00 - Kept and love!
Black and White Papermoon Dress - $68.00 - Kept and LOVE!
Denna Skinny Jean - $78.00 - Returned
Tan Renee C Cardigan - $68.00 - Returned
Daniel Rainn Dark Purple Lace Detail V-Neck Blouse - $48.00 - Kept and have already worn twice (in one week!)

So once you figure out what you want to keep and not keep, you just sign into your account and complete the checkout process.  The greatest part - you can leave feedback on your items so the stylist can make next Fix even better!  If you end up loving everything, you get 25% off your purchase.

It's just too good to be true - I get to try new things I would have never thought to try, it comes directly to my door, and I get clothes every month.  Hello, StitchFix, sign me up....like, forever. :)

Secret to Clear Skin?

I am trying out a new regimen for my face - Acne.org!

It seems that I have tried everything - Proactive, SkinID, visiting dermatologists, Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, Purpose, Cetaphil, Differin....the list goes on and on but nothing has worked for a long period of time.  In fact, I truly believe my skin is suffering from my high levels of stress and until I can de-stress, I will just not have clear skin.  However, I'm willing to give these products above a try since there are so many rave reviews!

Dan Kern, founder of Acne.org, does not push you to purchase his products.  In fact, he also recommends many drugstore products to use as substitutes.  However, even with the drugstore products, it is KEY to follow the regimen precisely; the main idea is to be as gentle as possible with your skin. 

To be honest, the moisturizer is intimidating me since it contains Jojoba Oil.  I have never in my life willingly applied oil to my face!  However, after some research, I have found that when jojoba oil is applied to the skin, it can trick the skin into believing it produces enough oil. As a result, there is balanced oil production.  Maybe this is exactly what I need?

Who knows!  But I will give it a try and let you know how it goes after a few weeks!

Month 4 Update: I absolutely love the Regimen.  If you have any doubts, please stick with it.....it will be worth it!

Month 8 Update: Still in love...I haven't had one break out in 4 months!  I can't believe it!



It's Thirsty Thursday!

The TIU girls recommend drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of water PER DAY. Ex. 150lb = 75 oz of water.  Since it's Thursday, I make sure to refill my water bottle constantly!  According to K&K, water increases your metabolism so much that if you're chronically dehydrated, it can mean up to an 8 pound weight gain (or more) per year. 

I don't know about you, but that makes me want another glass :)

They're Real!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this mascara made by Benefit!  I have never in my life found mascara that actually does what it says - lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, separates, etc....

However, I received this Benefit "They're Real" mascara as a birthday gift and it's amazing.  It somehow works and makes lashes appear twice as long! 

Try it for yourself, you will be happy you did!  You can find it at Sephora & Ulta and other beauty stores. 

SkinId Works!

I have been using the SkinId regimen for about two months now (started in May 2011) and I love it.  My skin is clear again!  Only thing that I add to the regimen is daily SPF15 moisturizer.

I highly recommend! 

Skin ID

Recently, I have wanted to try a new skin care regimen.  In the past, I have really liked the Proactive system but my skin got too used to it after using it for several years, so I discontinued.  After several [expensive] trips to the dermatologist, I realized I was forking out a lot of money, without seeing many results. 

Skin ID is unique - as in you receive a personal kit based on your skin and lifestyle.  Upon completing an evaluation -- questions such as, "where are your problem areas?", "do you sweat throughout the day?", "how sensitive are you to products?", etc..  Based on your answers, they create a personalized skin care regimen just for you. 

So I have tried Skin ID and have used it for ONE week and can already tell a major difference.  I honestly have tried everything from Proactive, Neutrogena , Clean & Clear, expensive washes recommended by Doctors....you name it, I've tried it!   So I cannot tell you why this works differently than anything else because it has the same active ingredients of everything I have tried (Salicylic Acid & Benzoyl Peroxide - even the same amounts!).  I hope it continues to work and I'm looking forward to beautiful skin...just in time for summer!

My personalized skin regimen is a 12.32.38, what are you?  Visit http://www.skinid.com/ to find out!

Threading

I've recently started eyebrow threading and love it!  Threading is a practice of shaping the eyebrows using a cotton thread.  The cotton thread is rolled and twisted along the surface of the skin and the hairs are then quickly lifted from the follicle.

There are several benefits of threading, rather than waxing--threading is more precise and hair grows back thinner and slower, no harsh products are used on your skin, & threading provides better shaping of the eyebrows.

I love that it's more gentle for the skin (compared to waxing) and precise.  To be honest, it is a little painful--but hey, "beauty is pain", right? I would recommend to everyone!

It's an Emergen-C!

You know that time of year when it seems like everyone is getting sick?  What a great time to start taking Emergen-C.  Not only does it offer 24 nutrients, including 1,000 mg of immune supporting vitamin C, 7B vitamins to enhance energy naturally (no caffeine!) but it also provides electrolytes to refuel and replenish post-workout.

*What's your favorite flavor?  For more info, check out: http://www.emergenc.com/

Go Chobani!

Recently, I went on a long run with my sister and she looked amazing.  I asked her what her secret was to losing weight and she said, "it's Chobani Greek Yogurt, it's a skinny gals bff!".  So after researching, I am now also hooked!

The Chobani Greek Yogurt is made in the rolling hills of Upstate New York.  It's full of flavor and health benefits:

• All natural.  No preservatives.  No artificial flavors.
• No synthetic growth hormones: No rBST-treated milk
• Includes 5 live & active cultures, including 3 probiotics
• Made with real fruit
• Twice the protein of regular yogurts
• A good source of bone-building calcium
• Gluten-Free and Kosher-Certified
• Safe for people with corn, nut, and soy allergies

Free Coupon for you to try Chobani

*Information found on Chobani Website: http://www.chobani.com/

Eat Peaches!

I have recently seen peaches at most Farmer's Markets and randomly saw this great article in Runner's World.  Pick a peach up today and enjoy! (in Season June through September)


GOOD FOR YOU
One medium peach contains just 60 calories and two grams of fiber, plus vitamin C and beta-carotene, a heart-productive antioxidant.  This juicy, water rich fruit also contains potassium, a mineral critical for regulating fluid and electrolyte levels, making peaches a tasty choice for re hydrating after a warm run.

GET THE BEST
When buying peaches, choose those that feel firm and don't have bruises.  The base color will differ according to variety, but it should be yellow-white, yellow, orange, or red.  Green indicated that it was picked early and won't ripen properly.  Let very firm fruit ripen at room temperature for a few days.  They're ready to eat when they smell sweet and give slightly when touched.

KITCHEN SIMPLE
Peach Melba is a classic summer dessert pairing poached peaches, vanilla ice cream, and raspberry sauce.  Anderson also likes this no-cook recipe for white wine-marinated peaches: Peel, pit, and slice six fresh peaches.  Mix with 1 1/2 cups fruity white wine, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.  Let mixture stand at room temperature for 30 minutes (or refrigerate for up to two hours).

*From the September 2010 issue of Runner's World

The Way to a Good Hair Day!

Hi ladies,

If you're hair is anything like mine, it needs some serious hydration....

Try Pureology's Hydrate Condition to reveal soft, lustrous hair.  This concentrated formula delivers deeply penetrating multi-weight proteins to revitalize and nourish hair while protecting colour vibrancy.

I told my hairdresser that I want to grow my hair long but as it grows, it becomes more and more knotty.  I now use this conditioner and I could tell a difference from the very first use!

The best part....it smells like peppermint & rosemary!

*Pureology's Hydrate System can be found in most salons

Benefits of Lemon Water

One day at work I was feeling super exhausted and someone told me to squeeze one-half  lemon in my water, twice a day.  It really does help you feel more energized! 

Read below for the top 10 health benefits of lemon water:

1. Good for stomach
Lemon can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water.

2. Excellent for Skin Care
Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face.

3. Aids in Dental Care
If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of a toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain.

4. Cures Throat Infections
Aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat and tonsillitis as it has an antibacterial property.  Dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently.

5. Good for Weight Loss
One major health benefit is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy.  Mix lemon juice with lukewarm water and honey.

6. Controls High Blood Pressure
It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to the mind and body due to it's high potassium content.  It also reduces mental stress and depression.

7. Assist in curing Respiratory Disorders
Along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma.

8. Good for treating Rheumatism
Lemon is a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis.  It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.

9. Reduces Fever
Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever.  It helps break fever by increasing perspiration.

10. Acts as a blood purifier
Diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier.


Enjoy a glass of lemon water today & make it part of your daily routine!

*Info found on www.lifemojo.com

Write down what you eat!

So I've been obsessed with these calendars (mostly because of the fun colors!) since high school and after college, I needed a reason to keep using it. 

Lately, I've been keeping track of my meals.  It's a great way to monitor your food (and beverage) intake, which helps you meet your daily nutrient needs and can assist with weight loss.  There's something that makes you put down that piece of cake when you realize you have to see that +300 calories in writing!

I keep track of my breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner as well as my workout for the day.  According to UK Department of Health Estimated Average Requirements (EAR), the daily calorie intake for women is 1940 and 2550 for men. However, these numbers are guidelines.  It also depends of your level of activity and whether or not your trying to lose or gain weight.

...Try keeping track of your calorie intake this week!

*you can purchase my favorite August-to-August calendar at The Container Store

Cinnamon for Breakfast!

Morning gals!

Are you in the habit of sprinkling cinnamon on your oatmeal, cereal and yogurt?  It's a smart health move!  Here's why...

As it may contain compounds that help control the dreaded blood sugar spike and stabilize your energy levels.  The USDA suggests that an extract of cinnamon may contain certain antioxidant compounds that may reduce risk factors for diabetes and heart disease.

So tomorrow morning, make sure to sprinkle cinnamon on that piece of toast!

*Info from Glamour Magazine

Skinny Water

Friends told me about Skinny Water and now I'm hooked.  There are six flavors and my two personal favorites are Crave Control and Hi-Energy.

The Crave Control has 720mg of Super Citrimax.  I had no idea what Citrimax was so I did some research!  Citrimax is recognized as a breakthrough natural-based weight loss supplement that has helped countless people attain and maintain their ideal weight levels.  There are, of course, pros and cons to using Citrimax.  Pros's: increase serotonin levels secreted in the brain.  So when you use Citrimax, you will not experience the irate temperament common among people who are trying to lose weight.  Next, for many people, it lowered cholesterol levels.  It enhances the body's ability to convert food into energy.  Con: the product Citrimax is expensive.  Also, Skinny Water is not sold everywhere.  I have had luck at both Giant and Harris Teeter.

I enjoy drinking the Skinny Waters throughout the day as well as during and after a long run to replace the lost electrolytes.  Grab one and enjoy! :)