How To Lose Weight (Weigh In #2)

My goal is to be 5 lbs heavier than my goal weight by the end of the month.  I now have 3.3 lbs more to lose to be at my goal!  Unfortunately, Thanksgiving is right around the corner!  That means holiday baking & TONS of EATING!!

30 Day Challenge

November 1st:      +13 lbs
November 2nd:     +11 lbs (Lost 2 lbs)

November 13th:    +8.3 lbs (Lost 4.7 lbs)

Eat This

Not That

Do you know any healthy holiday dishes?

Project 10 Pan #2 (Day #16: Wishlist)

Still going strong!  Even through Sephora's VIB sale (20% off)!

Last time, I made it 26 days before caving.  This time, I'm hoping to make it at least one month.

I has not been easy, especially with the following gift sets on sale now:

Bite Beauty Collector's Edition Lip Layers Set ($98)

Glam Glow Gift ($69)

Tarte LipSurgence Collector's Set ($175)

Have you tried any of these?

Project 10 Pan #2 (Day #10)

Ahhhh, so many sales right now!  I've been resisting, but I was on the verge of placing two orders with Sephora and one with Cherry Culture (25% off NYX).  Also, Nordstrom is having their half yearly sale & Clinique bonus time!

I decided to make an exception to my Project 10 Pan.  When I hit -5 lbs, I'll purchase one of the following from my wish list:

• $20 of Lush soap
• Essie Nail Polish Collection Resort 2013 ($17)
• Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip ($25)

Have you seen any good deals lately?

Healthy Eating (Meal Planning)

I've read that the key to sticking to a healthy diet is to plan your meals ahead of time.  Ryan and I don't stock up on food like typical Americans.  We hardly buy anything we don't plan to eat that week.

Here is a list of what we have:

• Baby Carrots
• Salad Bag
• 3 Frozen Vegetable Bags
• Lentil Soup
• Skinless Boneless Chicken Breast  (Ryan ate them)
• Trader Joe's Chicken Wrap
• Whole Foods Mediterranean Salad
• Jello
• Oatmeal
• 3 2 Fiber One Bars
• Eggs
• Whole Foods Spicy Hummus
• Frozen Blueberry Waffles
• Tea
• Seasoned Rice
• Siggi's Raspberry Non-Fat Drinkable Yogurt
• Trader Joe's Popcorn with Herbs and Spices

Monday:

Breakfast: 1 Fiber One Bar

Lunch: Seasoned Rice (1/2 Cup), 1/2 sm. popcorn (no salt/no butter)

Dinner: Seasoned Rice (1/2 Cup), Lentil Soup, Siggi's Raspberry Non-Fat Drinkable Yogurt

Tuesday (Unexpected Whole Foods Day):

Breakfast: WF Fresh Berries & Grapes (not on the list)

Lunch: 1/2 WF No Oil Asian Chicken Wrap (not on list)

Dinner: WF Sm. Pasta Salad (not on list), Trader Joe's Popcorn with Herbs and Spices

Wednesday:

Breakfast: Trader Joe's Popcorn with Herbs and Spices

Lunch: Trader Joe's Chicken Wrap

Dinner: ??? (going out) (1 slice pizza, 3 boneless chicken wings, salad)

Thursday:

Breakfast: 1 slice pizza, Trader Joe's Popcorn with Herbs and Spices

Lunch: rice, salad, cucumber, cucumber/avocado roll, tofu

Dinner: 1/2 WF No Oil Asian Chicken Wrap (not on list), iced coffee with milk

Friday:

Breakfast: Siggi's Raspberry Non-Fat Drinkable Yogurt, Trader Joe's Popcorn with Herbs and Spices

Lunch: apple sauce cup (not on list), WF Waldorf Salad (not on list)

Dinner: ??? (going out) Indian food

October Favorites 2013

Makeup:

• Treat & Conceal by Miracle Skin ($36 from Ulta)
• I can't believe how natural this looks and it covers absolutely everything!
• Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine in No. 9, Nude in Private ($34 from Sephora)
• BEST lipstick EVER!  Feels great and looks great!  

Skincare:

• Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil (part of this $19 gift set from Sephora)

Bath:

• Golden Wonder Bath Bomb from Lush ($7)
• This little present shaped bath bomb smells so good!!  It also looks adorable!

Food & Drink:

• Strawberry Mango Daiquiris from the Waldorf Astoria in Maui

• Earl Grey Tea

Candle:

• Leaves from Bath and Body Works ($9)
• Smells like Christmas!  

TV:

• Scandal

• I just want Olivia Pope's closet.  She makes me want to buy everything in White!

Project 10 Pan #2 (Day #8)

 It was much easier to not buy makeup while I was in Maui.  Now that I'm back home, I am constantly tempted by holiday sales & collections!

I was looking at my list to try to estimate how long it will take me to finish.  I think the hardest item to finish will be the Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow (Verve).  I figure it will probably take me about 4 months to completely finish it.

I purchased this palette from Sephora for about $50 in February and I'm still so in love with it!  Amazing pigmentation and it lasts FOREVER!  

What's your favorite palette?

How To Lose Weight (Weigh In)

In an effort to be consistent, I've decided to weigh myself first thing in the morning.

I did this on November 1st and was about 13 lbs heavier than I want to be.  This morning, I was about 11 lbs heavier than I want to be.  My goal is to be 5 lbs heavier than my goal weight by the end of the month.  This means dropping about 2 lbs each week!

30 Day Challenge

November 1st:      +13 lbs
November 2nd:     +11 lbs (Lost 2 lbs)

Before Picture

Do you have a goal weight?  What do you do to accomplish this goal?

Healthy Eating (30 Day Challenge)

I've been telling myself for months that I would start to eat healthy on November 1st.  That's why I've been eating as healthy as possible for the past couple of days.

Each day, I probably have about 4 cups of hot tea.  This really helps keep my hunger in check!  I've also been increasing the amount of water I drink each day.  I've heard that people tend to eat because they think they are hungry, but really their body is trying to tell them that they are just thirsty.

For the entire month of November (30 Days), I'm challenging myself to not eat or drink ANY soda!

Healthy Eating (Whole Foods Market)

Ryan absolutely hates Whole Foods.  I think it causes him pain to walk into the store.  I, on the other hand, am addicted!  I love looking at all the different options and trying new things.

Today I tried the Quinoa & Black Bean Salad... delicious!!!  I can't believe how good it tastes!  This salad is so full of flavor and it's very filling.  I highly suggest that if you live near a Whole Foods, you rush over there now and pick some of it up!

I know that a lot of people are astonished by the prices at Whole Foods, but I find that many items are very reasonably priced.  I purchased a small container of the quinoa salad for only $2.92.  I'll definitely be purchasing this again!

Project 10 Pan #2 (Day #6)

Hawaii was absolutely amazing and I can't wait to go back!  I'll post some pictures of my trip soon!!  Ryan and I were there to scout out venues for our wedding (next year).  We still haven't settled on where we're going to have the ceremony, but we were able to narrow down our options.

I did finish one of the items on my Project 10 Pan #2 List while I was there!  I used one of the concealers in my 15 Professional Camouflage Concealer Palette.  This palette cost me only $4.56 from Amazon.  Amazing deal!

I actually enjoy these for the price because it does provide full coverage.  Whenever I travel, my face freaks out a bit so I definitely need something that will hide my blemishes!  It does feel a little heavy and makes it hard for my skin to breathe so I don't typically wear these concealers on a daily basis.  They are great for covering up imperfections for a date night or if I know I'll be taking a lot of photos.  Then, as soon as I get home, I like to take it off so my face can get some air!  

One down, nine to go!

• Dior Addict Lip Polish 002 Fresh Expert
• Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette Eyeshadow in Verve
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
• Stila Smudge Stick in Tetra
• Caudalie Beauty Elixir 30 mL
• Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake
• Benefit's Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation Sample
• One Concealer From The 15 Professional Camouflage Concealer Palette
• E.L.F. Essential Hypershine Gloss in Blossom
• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Protector Finishing Powder

Project 10 Pan #2 (Day #1)

A few months ago, I started trying to finish the makeup I already own before purchasing new products.  The result was a complete and utter failure.

Lately, I have been on a crazy spending spree!  My fiancé saw my miscellaneous lip product drawer and said, "You have enough to last the rest of your life in there."  Sad thing is... he is probably right.

So here goes attempt number two...

Products I Want To Completely Use Up:

• Dior Addict Lip Polish 002 Fresh Expert
• Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette Eyeshadow in Verve
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
• Stila Smudge Stick in Tetra
• Caudalie Beauty Elixir 30 mL
• Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake
• Benefit's Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation Sample
• One Concealer From The 15 Professional Camouflage Concealer Palette
• E.L.F. Essential Hypershine Gloss in Blossom
• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Protector Finishing Powder

Empties #3

This might as well be a favorites post!  I love all of these products and would definitely repurchase them again.

I finally finished my large bottle of Bioderma!  I bought mine from Amazon.com for $29 in January and it has lasted 9 months!  It easily removes all of my makeup... including my waterproof mascara!  It's super gentle & works like a charm.  Love it!

I also finished the sample size of Benefit's They're Real mascara!  This was actually free from Sephora.com as part of their birthday gift!  I love this mascara because it really does add a lot of length and volume to my barely there lashes.  I usually use two coats and it doesn't clump unless you apply more than that.

Also from Sephora, I bought a travel size waterproof eye makeup remover for $7.  Truthfully, I purchased this bottle because the bottom part is a bright blue color that I was instantly attracted to.  It is an oil based product, so you do have to wash your face after using it.  I just apply it to a cotton round and it easily removes all of my cream and powder eyeshadow.  The best thing about this eye makeup remover is how gentle it is on my eyes... no burning sensation, hooray!

Bath and Body Works always sucks me in with their 7 for $20 soaps.  The Fresh Picked Tangerines is Ryan's favorite one so far.  I also used a 10% off coupon + a free body wash on this purchase, so it was a pretty amazing deal!  I would definitely get this one again.

I didn't finish too many products this time, but I certainly love the ones that I did use.  The final item was a sample conditioner from L'Occitane, which is quickly becoming one of my new favorite stores.  It sells for $20, but I could tell immediately that it was repairing my hair!  Amazing stuff!!  

Have you tried any of these products?

My First Jouer!

Today is crazy!! I'll be working for at least 10 hours, but I wanted to take some time to write about what I'm wearing on my lips today.

I received a sample of Jouer's Moisturizing Lip Gloss (full size: $20) in my September Birchbox.  It's about the size of my pinky finger.  The color I have is called "Riviera" and it is a deep red with a small amount of shimmer.

I placed the sample on top of my French Press just to show how small it is!  Super tiny!! I wish it were a little bigger, but I guess this is easy enough to carry around with me.

This product feels super hydrating... like I put on lip balm!  It is probably one of the most comfortable lip glosses I've ever worn (not sticky at all).  At first I was nervous that the color would be a little TOO red, but it applies very sheer and requires a couple of layers to build the color.  Above I have on two coats and you can't tell in the photo, but the glossiness is amazing!

This is the first Jouer product I have ever tried and I'm really impressed with the quality.  I'm not blown away by the color payoff, but it does allow you to build up the color if you want to.  I'd definitely try out a few of their other colors & I've been dying to try the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint to see if it can control my oily skin!  

Have you tried anything from Jouer? 

How To Lose Weight (What I Eat In A Day)

Here is an example of a meal plan for a typical day:

Breakfast: Fruit and Yogurt

Here I have vanilla yogurt (with an almond), cantaloupe, strawberries, raspberries, 

and an orange slice.

Lunch: Tuna sandwich (with light mayo and dried cranberries)

Snack: Hard boiled egg (with light salt & pepper)

Dinner: Grilled chicken with rice & bell pepper

I know a lot of people will say not to eat fruit because it has a lot of sugar in it.  I wish I were strong enough to go for weeks without either natural or artificial sweets, but I just know that I am not.  I figure that my craving for sweets is going to lead me to eat a real, fresh strawberry OR it is going to lead me to strawberry flavored candy.  As long as I'm choosing the natural sugar, I feel like I'm doing okay.

Weekend Warrior Challenge! (Q)

Lately, my weekends have been jam packed with fun!  There's no slowing down in sight either... Ryan and I have booked our next 5 weekends with some amazing vacations -- Hawaii!!!!!

Kallie at But First, Coffee has thought of a really fun and creative way to share our weekend adventures!  It's called Weekend Warriors and each blogger uses one letter of the alphabet as a theme for their weekend post.  I'm so happy to be able to join with 26 other bloggers in this challenge!  

My letter is "Q" & my initial reaction was like o___O ....what am I going to do with Q?

Well, it turns out there's quite a lot!  To celebrate our recent engagement we had a few of our closest friends over to our house for a PARTY!  It was James Bond style, so everyone was encouraged to come as either Bond, a Bond Girl, a villain, or (of course) Q!

Truthfully, I don't know that much about Bond or Q, but Ryan is a fairly big fan. We joke that his celebrity doppelganger is Daniel Craig.  What do you think?

We managed to fit a lot of the people who came to the party in the photo below.  The guns aren't real!  We had an airsoft shooting range set up in the backyard.  

We had movie posters and targets all over the walls and each room had a James Bond movie playing on the T.V.  The living room played Quantum of Solace, which is one of Ryan's favorites!  Of course, there was also a poker game (a nod to Casino Royale) and a fully stocked martini bar!  I must admit, we served horribly unhealthy food that disappeared within minutes!  Pizza, sausages, pasta, queso and chips, pigs in a blanket, tacos, taquitos, quesadillas, chocolate ice cream cake, tuxedo cookies, and more!  It was a pretty insane party & we didn't quit until a quarter to 3!

One of my closest friends stayed the night at our house.  I was glad to be able to spend some quality time with her because she lives so far away!  Unfortunately, she was feeling a little queasy in the morning so we weren't able to have a very big meal before she left.

Instead, we grabbed a quick bite at Quickly!  Quickly is a tea house and boba chain that we have in California.  The menu is ridiculous.  I am tempted to try everything on the menu... just start going down the list because I'm usually fairly boring and always order a milk tea.  

After the party, I'm actually excited to get back on track with healthy eating.  Quaker oatmeal is going to become my new best friend in my quest to lose 10 pounds.  I don't want to look like a blob in my wedding dress so I'm planning to go quasi-vegetarian for the next few months.  I'm still going to eat fish because I can't give up my sushi.  I did this once before for about 5 years and dropped to my best weight ever.  Hopefully, it will work again and I can start to lose my "happy fat."   

Hope you all have a great weekend!

How To Lose Weight (Grocery Haul #1)

Food is almost as exciting as makeup, right?  Well I thought I might share a little on what I'm doing to lose weight.

Diet is probably the biggest factor for me when it comes to losing weight.  I've realized that I can lose 5 pounds just by adjusting the foods I eat.  Of course, exercise plays its part too and is important for maintaining a healthy body.  With the combination of both exercise and diet, I plan to lose 10 pounds!
By diet, I mean they types of food I consume.  I don't mean South Beach or Paleo.  I'm simply not disciplined or dedicated enough to restrict myself to such a degree.  I enjoy food too much!

Here's a list of what I picked up today:

• Sliced Mangos (Fresh Ready Pac from Costco) -- $7.99
• Bag of Spinach -- $3.00
• Yogurt (24 pk) -- $5.50
• Udon and Kale Salad (small) -- $2.00

• Bok Choy (6) -- $1.75
• Grapefruit (4) -- $3.75
• Brie Cheese -- $2.20
• Eggs -- $2.00

Total Shopping Cost: About $28

(Obviously, I'm not a nutritionist or expert when it comes to losing weight.  

I'm just saying what I'm doing to accomplish my goals.)

I've also noticed that by eating healthier, I save money!  More to spend on cosmetics!! :D

What do you eat to lose weight?

Tarte Trio at Sephora

I have been M.I.A. lately!!!  My two new jobs have me spinning.  I love staying busy, but maybe not this busy.  Next week looks like a doozy with at least 60 hours of work ahead of me!  Epps!!

I do have a new outlook on makeup.  Now I want products that last a LONG time and are easy to carry with me.  Tarte is offering a great deal right now at Sephora.com.  You get a lip luster, a lip gloss, and an Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush for $29!!

QTY            1                   2                   3                   4                   5                   6                   7                   8                   9                   10                   

$71.00 $29.00

Tarte Gifts From The Lipstick Tree Achiote Color Collection

The packaging is adorable and the color is perfect for end of Summer/start of Fall.  This has been one of the best deals I've seen in awhile.  The blush alone usually sells for $26.  

What have you been loving lately?

$10 At Sephora For $5

I am a huge fan of Groupon (the flash deal site) where you can typically pick up products or services for 20%-50% off the regular price.

Here is the link for the current deal at Sephora.  You pay $5 and you get a $10 gift certificate!  Check it out soon because over 5,000 people have already purchased this deal and supplies could run out!

Here are some ideas for how you can use your $10:

Sephora Sugar Body Scrub for $9

Size: 6.76 oz!

Soap & Glory The Fab Pore Facial Peel for $10

Size: 1.7 oz

Three for $10!

Sephora by OPI Nail Polish

What is your favorite product under $10?

Empties #2

Hello!  Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  I've been having a blur of a week (just accepted two jobs) and I'm planning a 40+ person themed party!!  Yikes!

For my empties, I'm sort of cheating because most of my empties are samples.  I just really like trying lots of new products.  I hardly have any "regular" products because I vary my shampoo, conditioner, lotion, foundation, blush, and lip product daily.  This probably isn't a very good thing to do, but it's what I like doing at the moment.

Here are the products I tried and finished:

• My H2O Plus Spa Sea Salt Hydrating Body Butter (from my Project 10 Pan... hooray!!)
• Ojon Rare Blend Conditioner ($34 for full size)  This was one of my favorites!!
• Menza Facial Wash (from August Beauty Army Box)
• Nelson J Argan Oil 7 Non-Foaming Shampoo (also from August Beauty Army Box.  It worked but I want my suds! I actually didn't care for this shampoo because I missed the bubbles.  They help me feel like I'm really cleaning my hair.)
• Bare Minerals Foundation SPF 15 (full size)
• Celine Dion Belong Perfume (sample that I've had since I can't even remember how long, but I won't be purchasing the full size because I really want Jo Malone!)
• Michael Todd Charcoal Facial Scrub (I LOVE! And will keep repurchasing over and over again.  I also received a good size of this in my August Ipsy bag!)
• Lancome Genifique Serum samples (Lancome counters were giving away a week supply of serum samples to try.  I was actually really impressed with this serum!  It was hydrating and did seem to make my skin more radiant!  I have two deluxe bottles so I can continue using it for the next few weeks!!)  

Have you ever tried anything from Ojon?

This or That? (2013)

I read an old post the other day and I thought it would be fun to jot down my current beauty preferences!  

Makeup
blush or bronzer  --  Blush! My cheeks need a pink glow.
lip gloss or lipstick  --  I want to pick both (lipstick with lipgloss on top), but if I had to pick just one it would be lipstick
eye liner or mascara  --  Eye liner... otherwise my eyes look too small.
foundation or concealer  --  Foundation (this is probably my favorite beauty item)
neutral or color eye shadow  --  Neutral

This is my favorite palette for creating my everyday neutral eye look.

pressed or loose eye shadows  --  Pressed!
brushes or sponges  --  Brushes!!  I rarely use sponges.

Nails
OPI or china glaze  --  OPI
Long or short  --  Medium?  I guess short to medium.
Acrylic or natural  --  Natural
Brights or darks  --  Brights! 
Flower or no flower  --  Flower, bow, pearl, and/or jewel! 

Body
perfume or body splash  -- Perfume!  No question about it.
lotion or body butter  --  Body Butter (from The Body Shop)
body wash or soap  --  Soap.  I used to only use body wash, but lately I've been experimenting with different scented soaps and I love them!!
lush or other bath company  --  Lush addict!

My current favorite soap is the Lavendar soap bar from Trader Joes!  It smells incredible!!

Fashion
jeans or sweat pants  -- Jeans
long sleeve of short  --  Short (at least in summer)
dresses or skirts  --  Dresses
stripes or plaid  --  Stripes
flip flops or sandals  --  Flip flops 

My most worn pair of shoes this Summer (sorry they are so dirty) are my Coach flip flops.

scarves or hats  -- Scarves
studs or dangly earrings  --  Studs

Bow studs from Target! <333

necklaces or bracelets  --  Bracelets

heels or flats  --  Heels (I'm so short, I love my heels)

cowboy boots or riding boots  --  Riding Boots

jacket or hoodie  --  Jacket

forever 21 or charlotte russe  --  Forever 21 

abercrombie or Hollister  --  Abercrombie 

saks 5th or nordstrom  --  I have a lot from both.  I'd have to say Nordstrom because I love the selection and the customer service!

Hair

curly or straight  --  Straight (occasionally I will curl if I'm going out)
bun or ponytail  --  Bun (donut)
bobby pins or butterfly clips  --  Bobby pins
hair spray or gel  --  Spray!
long or short  --  Long 
light or dark  --  Dark
side sweep bangs or full bangs  --  Side Sweep
up or down  --  Down 

Random
Rain or shine  --  Shine!!!
Summer or winter  --  When it isn't 115 degrees, I prefer Summer.  I hate the cold.
Fall or spring  --  Fall
Chocolate or vanilla  --  Chocolate 
East coast or west coast  --  West Coast!! CA <3

Presidio San Francisco