Makeup Tutorial: I Can't, I'm Sick... (How To Look Socially Acceptable When Sick)

If you read my last post (here) you know that I have been pretty under the weather recently. And sometimes when you're sick, you have to leave your house. Well yesterday I was in serious need of some groceries, but I looked like a zombie. So I did what any other ordinary 24 year old would do, I did a makeup tutorial! Because, why not?

So the whole concept behind my makeup tutorial was that I looked like a giant sack of potatoes and did not want to look like said potatoes. So I pulled myself together, put big girl clothes on, pulled my hair back, and made my face look socially acceptable! 

Lush 9 to 5 Cleansing Lotion and Be Fine Daily Moisturizer

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Primer, Korres Concealer, Revlon 24hr Colorstay Foundation, and Maybelline Dream Lumi  

MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC15, MAC Bronzin Powder in Golden, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blush, Bare Minerals Well Rested Concealer, NARS Albatross Highlighter

Bare Minerals 5 in 1 Eyeshadow, Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette, Urban Decay Perversion Mascara, Rimmel ScandalEyes Liner in Nude,  OFRA Eyebrow Pencil, and Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stain in Honey and NYX Butter Gloss in Eclair

Life Update: Stress Causes Sickness

Sometimes you think you can handle it, the stress of life. And then, out of no where, our body says "Nope!' and then we actually have to slow down and listen to our body before we crash and burn. Well, I didn't listen to my body. And now I have crashed and burned. I worked an extremely long past 2 weeks, so much so that I didn't even really blog that much or see my boyfriend (who I live with) that much. See the issue here? 

So what happens? Life caught up with me. All of the stress finally came around and slapped me across my head and now I'm sick. To start off the sick weekend/week though, Last Friday, I was pulled over by a State Trooper at 3am, blew a tire at 4am, and had to replace 3 tires at 7am. Then I had to take my car in to have 1 of the 3 recalls it has on it fixed. Friday was an excellent way to start my illness.

And now, full blown sneezing, coughing, and congestion. I'm living on soup, Mucinex, and tea. Oh, can't forget the OJ and Emergen-C either! 

From Fat to Fierce: My Weight Loss Journey | Week 2

So at first I felt disappointed in myself that I had only lost 1.6 pounds. But then I realized, after much self loathing, that I should be proud of my accomplishment. I ate pretty healthy for the week, even got to enjoy pizza, worked out for 5 days, and still lost weight. I didn't have to starve myself or slave at the gym! My disappointment came from a never ending need to see large results, quickly. That's why I was so pumped last week. But if you stop and remember, if you saw my vlog, I started the week (5 days) doing the 17 day diet. And it was so rough. I felt like I was dying and cried almost every day. Towards the end of the week I downloaded his amazing app called My Plate, and I've been happy ever since. 

So the point of this post, besides showing you all what I accomplished this week, is to be proud of ANY accomplishment you make! Only lost a little like me? BE PROUD! Didn't lose weight but lost inches? BE PROUD! hey, at least you're still getting smaller! Just don't ever let yourself get down for the things that you do that are actually good! I step forward is a step in the right direction! 

Beginning Weight (lbs) and Measurements (ins)

Weight: 265.2

Neck: 16.25

Chest: 46

Right Bicep: 17.5

Left Bicep: 17

Right Forearm: 11.75

Left Forearm: 11.25

Waist: 44

Hips: 53.5

Right Thigh: 30.5

Left Thigh: 30.5 

Right Calf: 16.5

Left Calf: 16.5 

Week 1 Weight (lbs) and Measurements (ins) 

Weight: 258.4 (-6.8)

Neck: 15.75 (-.5)

Chest: 44.5 (-1.5)

Right Bicep: 17 (-.5)

Left Bicep: 16.5 (-.5) 

Right Forearm: 11.5 (-.25)

Left Forearm: 11 (-.25)

Waist: 42 (-2) 

Hips: 52.5 (-1)

Right Thigh: 29.5 (-1)

Left Thigh: 29.5 (-1)

Right Calf: 16.25 (-.25)

Left Calf: 16.25 (-.25)

Week 2 Weight (lbs) and Measurements (ins)

Weight: 256.8 (-1.6)

Neck: 15.25 (-.5)

Chest: 43 (-1.5)

Right Bicep: 16.75 (-.25)

Left Bicep: 16.25 (-.25) 

Right Forearm: 11.5 (0)

Left Forearm: 11 (0)

Waist: 41 (-1) 

Hips: 52.5 (0)

Right Thigh: 29.5 (0)

Left Thigh: 29 (-.5)

Right Calf: 16 (-.25)

Left Calf: 16 (-.25)

Inches Lost: 4.5

Pounds Lost: 1.6

Total Inches Lost: 13.5

Total Pounds Lost 8.4

How To: Kill a Migraine in Under 30 Minutes

I have a horrible track record for getting headaches and migraines. Most of them start out as harmless headaches, and if not taken care of right away, turn into vicious migraines. Like need a freezing cold, dark room, 4 Excedrin, a bottle of gatorade, absolute silence, and a giant icepack. Now of course I do use these individual to help put a stop to the beginning of my migraines, and they are amazing. These are the things that personally work for me, some may or may not work for you, trial and error is the best way to find out. 

1. Gatorade

Research shows that drinking 8oz-16oz of Gatorade can help reduce your head pain almost immediately. And for me, it works. When I'm at work, it isn't easy to find a place to hide that cold and quiet. But I can keep a Gatorade with me just in case I begin to feel a migraine creeping up on me. Keeping it in the fridge in the break-room, to keep it nice and cold, and easily accessible if I need to drink it quickly. 

2. Hot Shower

If I'm driving home and I can feel the pressure beginning to set in, the first thing I do when I get home is take a very hot shower. The steam from the shower and the hot water help calm my head and make my body believe that my bedroom is colder than it really is. I like to sit in my tub while the shower is on and let the hot water hit the nape of my neck. That has proven to be the most effective for me. 

3. Ice Pack

Opposite of the hot shower is the ice pack. I lay flat on my back with the ice pack underneath my head. I take long, deep breaths and keep my eyes closed. If it gets too cold, I'll turn on my side and rest the ice pack closer to the root of the migraine. Mine typically come from either the sides or the base of my skull. Every now and then a sinus headache comes along, but that's a whole other story. 

4. Bananas

I love bananas so I'm pretty happy that they help with migraines. Some morning I just wake up with a raging migraine. So the first thing I do is head to the kitchen for a banana. Bananas increase serotonin, therefore decreasing the amount of pain you feel. 

5. Excedrin

I know that there are many people who forgo medicine when they have migraines. Those people are amazing troopers, and I am not one of them. I am a cry baby who needs her pain meds so my head doesn't explode. I always attempt to exhaust the first 4 options before resorting to Excedrin. But trust me when I say, I always have it in the house and in my purse. There will be times when you don't have access to Gatorade, a hot shower, ice packs, or bananas. So you have to do what you gotta do and take the medicine. 

How To: Avoid Getting Sick - My Top 5 Tips

I used to be notorious for getting sick around very important events in my life, for example, exam week.  And being sick doesn't really help you study effectively for your midterms and finals. I also used to get sick during high volume months at work, holiday time and back to school season. But after implementing my top 5 tips, I've felt so much better and my colds seems to have run for the hills! Of course there are seasonal allergies, but that's what the allergy doctor is for!

Take a Daily Multi Vitamin

Drink Emergen-C Daily

Stay Hydrated

Wash Your Hands and Use Hand Sanitizer

Get Plenty of Sleep

How do you avoid getting sick? 

How To: Avoid The Freshman 15

This post is mainly about me giving you the tips I wish I had known in college. I fell victim to the freshman 15. And then the sophomore 15. And then the junior 15. And then the senior 15. Over my course in undergrad I ended up gaining around 100lbs. So that's more like 25lbs a year. Ridiculous, I know. But that's what I want to help you avoid. All of the things I wish I had known when I was a freshman, and a whole lot slimmer!  

Before College vs. After College

1. Get a meal plan 

When I went for orientation, we had to eat at the various places on campus that were included in the meal plan. And I really wish I would've gotten one. Every cafeteria or restaurant, not really sure what to call it, had a fresh salad bar, and other healthy food options. They all had vegetarian options and had a suitable balance between healthy food and pizza and french fries. When you have a meal plan, you're less likely to eat out at fast food restaurants which could really save you in the end.  

2. Utilize the fitness center

It's a full service gym and fitness center! And it's included in your tuition! Use it. At FSU they had personal trainers that would develop workout plans with and for you. There were so many group exercise classes that you could join if you didn't want to workout alone. I loved the spin class! Kicked my butt, by man was it hard core! Do your research and you'll find so many ways to stay fit! Take a dance class for the semester, join a running group, or just go to the gym. I know that at the school I'm attend for my MBA there is a running group and an outdoor, heated swimming pool to use year round. 

3. Drink a lot of water

You hear this all the time. Just being healthy in general, you should always drink water. The recommended amount is 64oz per day. You can always get yourself a filtered water jug, fill up your cute water bottle that's reusable, and take it with you all day on campus. Refill your bottle when you stop for lunch! And when you work out, drink it up! Staying hydrated will help you maintain your weight, avoid illness, and have amazing skin! 

4. Eat healthy snacks 

Keeping healthy snacks in your dorm room is essential. There are so many healthy options at the grocery store nowadays that it's quite easy! Granola bars, yogurt, fruit cups, and so much more. Below I have 2 recipes for you that are cheap and easy to make. The first is frozen yogurt dots and then a frozen fruit cup. Bring the yogurt dots with you to the library and snack on the fruit while you hang out in your room!

Frozen Yogurt Dots: Shutterbean Recipe

Frozen Fruit Cups: Ree Drummond from Food Network

5. Always eat breakfast

For real though. Don't skip breakfast. Have an 8am class? Eat fresh fruit. Or granola. Or a fruit cup. Have time for a real meal? Grab a veggie filled omelet, or a fruit and veggie smoothie! There are tons of healthy options for breakfast. You mainly want them to keep you full and keep you from over snacking! High protein and fiber breakfasts are the best. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and you want to keep your mind strong and sharp for class! Especially during exam time!

How do you fight the freshman 15? 

Healthy Eats: 3 Delicious and Nutritious Smoothies

I love having smoothies for breakfast! Especially during the summer: healthy, cold, and refreshing! Today I have 3 healthy smoothie recipes for you that are super easy to make and are even more delicious! And you end up getting your fruits and veggies in during breakfast! Even better! I like sneaking in some veggies during breakfast because I'm not a huge veggie fan, I at least know I'm getting it somewhere!

Smoothie #1: Mango Strawberry

1/2 cup of mango chunks, frozen

1/2 cup of halved strawberries, frozen

1 handful of spinach

1/2 cup of coconut water

1 cup of orange juice

Smoothie #2: Blueberry Peach

1/2 cup of blueberries, frozen

1/2 cup of peaches, frozen

1 handful of spinach

1/2 cup of coconut water

1 cup of apple juice

Smoothie #3: Pineapple Cherry

1/2 cup of pineapple chunks, frozen

1/2 cup of pitted cherries, frozen

1 handful of spinach

1/2 cup of coconut water

1 cup of cranberry juice

Motivational Monday: Being Comfortable and Confident

Today I went to the gym. Yes. It happened. I woke up still kinda of in shock that I was going. And then I was there, on the treadmill, actually walking. It was such an awesome feeling! I was concerned about people judging me or looking at me weird. I was just so happy to actually be back at the gym. And it was so rewarding. I even went and did my leg workout by myself before Briam showed up. I was, and still am, so proud. 

And that's the thing, I didn't go to the gym this morning to lose weight. Okay, yes I did but that's not the root reason. The really, deep down there, root reason was because I want to be happy again. I want be comfortable with myself and be confident. TMI, but, I want to be able to run through a field of flowers naked and be happy with it. My body is my home, and I want to treat like I do my own personal belongings. I don't trash my room, so why trash my body? 

I want myself, and you, to be so completely comfortable with our bodies that we love them unconditionally. We love others unconditionally, so why not ourselves? It's time we do that. It's time we let go of what others think of us and begin focusing on how we feel about ourselves. 

Weight Loss Wednesday: Week 4 Update

I gained 2.8 pounds. This is getting stupid. Not the weight loss journey, but the fact that Every other week is bad for me. First week good. Second week bad. Third week good. Fourth week bad. I'm sure this type of up-and-down can't be that good for me, right? I'll be surprised if I've lost any inches... let's check it out!

Well let me break my week down for you. Thursday was Briam's birthday. He wanted Chinese food for dinner. I had pork lo mein, pork fried rice, and an egg roll. Friday was Briam's birthday dinner with my parents. He wanted Cuban food. I had Lechon Asado and Papa Relllenas. Both fried. Oh, and flan. Saturday night his parents wanted to BBQ for him. So we had BBQ chicken wings, yellow rice, and red beans. Sunday I had carbonara tortellini. Twice. Monday night I had 2 orders of sushi. Oh and somewhere in there was some Hamburger Helper. And last night I had Orange Chicken and some ice cream. Like, what in God's name did I do to myself? I ate. I ate everything. 

Weight Goals:

Starting Weight: 244.6 pounds

Goal Weight: 130 pounds

Current Weight: 240.0 pounds (-4.6 pounds)

Pounds to Lose: 110.0 pounds

Measurements:

Left Forearm: 10.5 inches

Right Forearm: 11inches (-.25)

Left Bicep: 15.5 inches

Right Bicep: 16 inches

Chest: 41.5 inches

Waist: 38.5 inches (-.50)

Hips: 49.5 inches (-.50)

Left Thigh: 28 inches (-.50)

Right Thigh: 28.25 inches (-.75)

Left Calf: 15.25 inches

Right Calf: 15.25 inches

Total Inches Lost This Week: 2.5 inches

Total Inches Lost: 12.5 inches

It never ceases to amaze me how I can gain weight and then lose inches at the same time. I'm quite happy that my limbs are starting to even out. It was always weird having my right side be much bigger than my left.

As I say every week, maybe I'll get some exercise in... 

Weight Loss Wednesday: Week 3 Update

Week 3? What happened to week 2? Well I'll tell you what happened to week 2. Week 2 got busy and fell off the band wagon. Last Wednesday I worked 2 shifts, had school stuff that needed to be done, and had to take Briam to his doctor's appointment. Not that these are excuses, but that's why a video didn't go up, or a post. But the other truth to this is that week 2 had some hardships. I got very snacky and ate a ton of food. I ate hotdogs, pizza, cookies. A bunch of "shit" that I didn't need. So for the past week I've been trying very hard to keep my diet extremely healthy. So let's get to the results.

Weight Goals:

Starting Weight: 244.6 pounds

Goal Weight: 130 pounds

Current Weight: 237.2 pounds (-7.4 pounds)

Pounds to Lose: 107.2 pounds

Measurements:

Left Forearm: 10.5 inches (-.25)

Right Forearm: 11.25 inches

Left Bicep: 15.5 inches (-.50)

Right Bicep: 16 inches (-.25)

Chest: 41.5 inches (-1.5)

Waist: 39 inches (-1.0)

Hips: 50 inches (-1.0)

Left Thigh: 28.5 inches (-.50)

Right Thigh: 29 inches (-.25)

Left Calf: 15.25 inches

Right Calf: 15.25 inches (-.25)

Total Inches Lost This Week: 5.5 inches

Total Inches Lost: 10 inches

Weight Loss Wednesday: Week 1

I'm quite surprised this week. I didn't think I had lost weight. But honestly I did feel like my body had changed a little bit so I'm not too surprised by the inches! I'm very happy with my first weeks progress. I have the motivation to keep going and try harder this week. Watch my video below to hear about a new thing I'm going to try this week! 

Weight Goals:

Starting Weight: 244.6 pounds

Goal Weight: 130 pounds

Current Weight: 241.8 pounds (-2.8 pounds)

Pounds to Lose: 111.8 pounds

Measurements:

Left Forearm: 10.75 inches (-.25)

Right Forearm: 11.25 inches (-.25)

Left Bicep: 16 inches

Right Bicep: 16.25 inches (-.50)

Chest: 43 inches (-1.0)

Waist: 40 inches (-1.0)

Hips: 51 inches (-.50)

Left Thigh: 29 inches (-.25)

Right Thigh: 29.25 inches (-.25)

Left Calf: 15.25 inches (-.25)

Right Calf: 15.5 inches (-.25)

Total Inches Lost: 4.5 inches

Get Fit Tip: Surviving the Gym

The dreaded day has come, as I knew it was going to, when I had to join the gym. I have never been a fan of the gym. I feel that the people who I would see at the gym were judgmental, extremely fit, and attractive. When I go to the gym, I look a hot mess. But because of what I'm going through health wise, it was a mutual decision between my doctor and I that I join a gym. For this post, I wanted to share with you guys my tips on surviving the gym! 

What's your best tip for surviving the gym? 

Pinterest Favorites

With spring break coming up, I've turned to Pinterest as my beach escape! Each of my favorite pins is beach inspired. I love the beach. I'm so lucky to live in a town where the beach is only 5-10 minutes away at all times. Maybe it'll warm up a bit here so I can hit the beach one of these days! With my carefree beach state of mind, here are my favorite pins of the week! 

Dream Destination: Cenote, Mexico

Dream Home: Beach House

Future Closet: Pink and White Bikini

Wedding Ideas: Beach Wedding 

Beauty: Beach Waves

So Funny: Sand Castle Humor

Wisdom: Ocean Therapy 

Decor and Such: Beach Decor 

Random Things I Love: Tanning Puppy

Food: Beach Inspired Food

Health and Fitness: Beach Workouts

Interesting Life Tools: Towel Tote

Vegan/Vegetarian: Vegan Beach Bars

Which pin is your favorite?

Are you using Pinterest as spring break inspiration? 

Get Fit Workout: Take a Hike!

Going to the gym everyday or working out at home can become boring, even if you switch up your routine. The best thing you can do to get out of this workout funk is to go outside! Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all had gorgeous hills and continuous views of nature to hike around? Yes, yes it would be. But sadly, we all don't have that. I've put together some outdoor workout spots that still work great, even if you don't have lush amounts of nature where you live.  

At a Park

On the Beach

In an Open Field

On the Bridge

What's your favorite place to workout outdoors?

What kind of workout do you do outside?

Get Fit Recipe: Easy Chik'n Sandwich

Need a quick meal for lunch or dinner? Then try this super yummy chik'n sandwich! I'm going to be honest here, I enjoy veggie chicken much more than I regular chicken. I had this sandwich for lunch today and it was so filling! But you could easily serve it with some fruit or your favorite snack! B and I actually had this the other night as well, when I had to stay late at work and wasn't really in the mood for cooking a big meal. This recipe takes maybe 5-7 minutes total. Quick, easy, and delicious! 

Ingredients:

2 Slices of Ezekiel Bread

1 Chik'n Patty 

1 Small Handful of Organic Arugula 

1 Small Handful of Organic Baby Spinach

1 TBSP of Go Veggie! Cheddar Cheese

1 TBSP of Sweet Chili Sauce 

Quick Note: You can substitute in any healthy bread of your choice. Also, you can use any brand patty for this sandwich. My favorite is Morning Star. Feel free to add more veggies, use different cheese, or even use a different sauce! It's super easy! 

1. Heat chik'n patty according to directions on box. I also warm up my bread because it has to be kept frozen. 

2. Top bread with arugula and spinach. Add patty. Then the cheese. 

3. Top with sweet chili sauce and the other slice of bread. 

4. Enjoy! 

Would you try this recipe?

What other recipes have you tried using a veggie chik'n patty? 

Pinterest Favorites

I've been slightly slacking in my pinning department these past weeks. It's so sad, I know. Finding new pins is so exciting and, in a way, refreshing. It's like "Oh! I haven't seen that before! I better save it!" Certain pins become very popular on Pinterest, and they're all you ever see. When I found these pins, I was so excited! Something new!  

Dream Destination: Lombard Street, San Francisco 

Dream Home: Walk-in Master Closet 

Future Closet: Navy Anchor Sandals

Wedding Ideas: Twinkling Backdrop

Beauty: Sally Hansen Leg Makeup

(This stuff works wonders!)

So Funny!: Best Friend Requirement

Wisdom: Positive Thoughts

Decor and Such: Lemons and Flowers

(So pretty!! Perfect for Spring and Summer!)

Random Things I Love: Cat Shaped Ice Cubes

Food: Springform Pan Recipes  

Health and Fitness: Lauren Conrad's Calorie Blast Workout

Interesting Life Tools: Spaghetti Measurer 

Vegan/Vegetarian: Vegetarian Rueben  

Which pin is your favorite? 

Make sure to follow me on Pinterest!