tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58827437216061937862024-03-12T17:43:59.809-07:00Monica on Randombabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-44965843792668457452013-09-13T21:56:00.000-07:002013-09-14T06:43:47.460-07:00Hello, Month Eight of Pregnancy! (LONG)Ever since I found I was pregnant at the end of March I swore to myself I was going to blog. I attempted to at least twice a week since then. FAIL! My blog stopped a week before I found out I was pregnant, haha. It truly shows my how all-consuming pregnancy can be! I used to read for leisure every night, but it's been all pregnancy and baby reading since March.<br>
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Today I am 31 weeks pregnant. If you're like me, I knew next to nothing about pregnancy durations but soon became an expert. You're pregnant for ~40 weeks. A full 9 months, which ends up making you think/feel it's 10. Anyway, so today I entered my 8th month of pregnancy. Completely surreal that my kiddo will be here in about 2 months. It's been long and quick all at the same time (that's what she said, HAHA!).<br>
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I've been completely lucky to have an easy pregnancy. In my first trimester I definitely felt more tired than I ever thought possible. I could remember so many days during the workday thinking I could easily pass out sitting at the computer. At first, I was determined to keep up with my gym schedule. Ha! The fatigue won that battle. Also during the first trimester, I experienced bouts of nausea from aversions to most food. It wasn't too bad and I never experienced any pregnancy-related vomiting. Quite honestly, I was a little bummed that so many women I know or hear about lose weight during their first trimester because of morning sickness. Of course I couldn't shed weight without working for it. I didn't gain any weight either. Another change I experienced in my first trimester was nipple change. Extreme sensitivity and change in appearance. Any breast size I lost during losing 45lbs, I gained back immediately. I also started experiencing insane headaches. At the end of my first trimester experienced Mother's Day in a different way. This was when I started a journal to Kit. I did genetic testing and found out the gender. Baby boy, Kenneth "Kit"
Hugh, gave us "normal" genetic results (whatever that means...).<br>
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In my second trimester the fatigue was lifted. I was eager to up my twice a week workout to at least five days. Ha, my sciatic nerve had a different plan for me! That's when I started seeing a chiropractor weekly. It took a few visits for me to really see what a difference adjustments made! I see her every three weeks now. Somewhere between then and now I've also added the treat of prenatal massages, too. :) The chiropractor took away more than 95% of headaches, acid reflux I was starting to experience, most of my sciatic pain. And the BIGGEST difference I'm most impressed with is the fact that she seems to have fixed my knee injury from a year ago! I love her. Anyway! During the second trimester is when I definitely saw consequences of slacking on exercise and diet. My legs lost their tone and definition. I started to gain a little weight, but nothing extreme. The change in my legs though did (and still does) really bother me, but I noticed when I hit the gym I experience sciatic and hip pain. Also, my belly began to grow, but didn't "pop" so I felt like a whale at the gym. Not quite like the cute pregnant women I love seeing at the gym! On July 3rd (18.5wks), lying on my tummy I felt his first kicks! It was absolutely THE most exciting moment in my entire 27 years of life. I may have gotten a little obsessed with squishing him by lying on my tummy to feel his kicks that day. Then on July 4th Bryce got to feel a couple kicks! From then on his kicks from the outside have just gotten stronger and more frequent. During my anatomy scan (had mine at 21 weeks), Bryce and I got to see Kit for a
long time and swore he had my bone structure! But let's face it... he
still looked like a weird, skeletal aquasaurus.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjepwnlh9uTLQFB6EUFPCL5EBzJ3Ypneu9yIXoYsQg5z4vn3wDc-9n0pJw6RZ9Ktih8oSjjOtHSbd2uW2NV2QYYUTc0Vcri9mUUinsqOn6bPnKHRCswKYKSAerVmXJRV_5_7C7q5C_1A/s640/blogger-image--990927255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjepwnlh9uTLQFB6EUFPCL5EBzJ3Ypneu9yIXoYsQg5z4vn3wDc-9n0pJw6RZ9Ktih8oSjjOtHSbd2uW2NV2QYYUTc0Vcri9mUUinsqOn6bPnKHRCswKYKSAerVmXJRV_5_7C7q5C_1A/s640/blogger-image--990927255.jpg"></a></div><br>
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Third trimester, I've been feeling pretty good still. Just in the last week my acid reflux has come back, which Tums can kind of keep up with... I would say that's my only symptom complaint. My belly is getting bigger. Only a few weeks ago was the first time someone who didn't already know I was pregnant commented on my pregnancy. I can feel my core muscles trying to fight to keep from being stretched too much. It's strange! I experienced one day where I felt my pelvic bones feel like they were pulled apart. Also, two days ago I felt a day of hip discomfort. Luckily, overall I'm just slower and needing Tums. OH! And I have a lot more freckles on my face now! My next chiro appointment, I'll make it a point to address the acid reflux. So, speaking of acid reflux, I've learned of the wive's tale of having a hairy baby if you experience acid reflux... I had my 4D ultrasound and Kit has hair! The tech said it's not a lot of hair, but more than peach fuzz. There was one part of the video where she pointed out what was hair... Looked like a lot to me!!!! I had a ton of hair, so I can only expect he is born with dark hair like me! My biggest shock though was the uncanny resemblance my baby has to his daddy and all the males on his side!!!! I swooooore that he was going to look like me because of that anatomy scan. I'm excited that we got to see he has at least one dimple! I'm hoping for two dimples like ME! I just can't wait to see what he looks like. I'm sosososososo in love. I think seeing him in real-time and actually seeing what his flesh looks like made the surreal real. I'm pretty sure for three days straight the only thing I said to Bryce was, "my baby is so cute!!!!" Also, he flipped us the bird twice. Just thought I'd throw that in there. :)<br>
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I'm emotional! I think everything is so sweet and/or cry-worthy. I've been getting watery-eyed since my first trimester just seeing cute baby clothes, hearing certain things like "that's our son" (strangers), old people, EVERY TIME I hear Macklemore's "Same Love" when he says, "damn right I support it" (HAHA, my eyes are watering just typing that!)<br>
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I'm getting so close! I have two months left. I need to be patient in regards of the last things we need before Kit gets here. I can go crazy AFTER my baby shower. I've met my financial saving goals that I made for before I start maternity. I'm pretty proud of that. That includes his first 6 months of daycare, a head start on college savings for him, and a checkings account for him. I even have saved aside money for the big items that are a bit pricy on my registry so I don't have to freak out if I need to buy them myself. Another thing I need to be patient with is unwarranted advice and comments! It's like people lose filters when they know you're pregnant. "You'll see when you have your baby..." (no shit) "I don't know how you do it..." (do what?!) "You should(n't) do XYZ..." (I didn't ask). Continued rant... the rudest thing I experienced was from a person who was surprised to find out I was pregnant a month ago and made comments like, "oh wow, it's hard work" "I hope you know it's not easy" then asked me, "so who's the father?" Mind you this person only knows me through work and sees me every 6 weeks or so. I'm immediately thinking, "how would you know who the father is regardless of ANYTHING?" but I told her, "my boyfriend of almost 5 years" then she asked me if he was excited, I replied, "yes, and he's going to be a really good daddy" (which he IS, undoubtedly), SHE LAUGHS AT THAT and says, "you're so funny." I don't think I could have been more annoyed and offended. I just walked into my work's breakroom and ranted. HAHA clearly I'm not over it!!!! Whatever! OKAY!<br>
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His nursery is coming along! Just need a few more things to complete it. It's forest themed, which just happens to go with his name, Kit (baby fox!). I just love it. His room is connected to Bryce's study, which Milton hangs out in. So, that's the boys' area. My GIRL area is the rest of the home, haha. :)<br>
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Soooo... that's my update!<br>
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xox,<br>
M</div>babybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-63066775059020974802013-03-13T12:42:00.002-07:002013-03-13T12:42:57.906-07:00Turkey Burgers with Zucchini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Got this recipe from <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/05/turkey-burgers-with-zucchini.html" target="_blank">skinnytaste.com</a> for turkey burgers with grated zucchini incorporated as a replacement for eggs AND adding some more veggies into your diet.<br />
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The recipe calls for:<br />
1.25lbs 93% lean ground turkey<br />
1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs<br />
1 small grated zucchini<br />
1 Tbsp grated red onion<br />
1 clove grated garlic<br />
salt<br />
pepper<br />
spray oil<br />
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This makes five patties. I wanted to double the recipe so I had enough for the week if Bryce wanted some or if I wanted to have one for dinner in addition to having one for lunch. I couldn't find whole wheat bread crumbs, so I settled on brown rice bread crumbs which had only 40kcals versus 100kcals PLUS. Works for me!<br />
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Skinnytaste claims that this patty alone has 156kcals, 6.8g of fat, 18.6g of protein, 5.5g of carbohydrates. *MY* calculations were a bit different, considering the servings size of Jennie O 93/7 Turkey is 170kcals... it just didn't add up right. But, whatever! So my calories ended up coming slightly under 200kcals and with 22g of protein.<br />
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Next time I think I'll be adding in more garlic for an extra bit of flavor. But these are pretty delicious! The zucchini helps keep these patties incredibly moist. I'm a fan! I've had a patty for yesterday's lunch, dinner and today's lunch. So far not sick of them. I'm also going to try a spinach version too.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Xx,<br />
Mbabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-33503536461270623522013-03-10T21:23:00.000-07:002013-03-10T21:25:45.746-07:00HypoxiThis may get long... (that's what he said!)<br />
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Where to begin? Let's start with the <i>lessons</i> (trying not to sound extremely negative and call them huge, fat regrets!)...(this got so long it just turned into a Hypoxi blog)<br />
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<b>Hypoxi Training- </b>a few weeks ago I went for a consultation session of Hypoxi training after doing a little research (there was very little scientific research available) since a co-worker was seeing results in weight loss. Essentially, the claim is you can target fat loss in certain areas. I wanted to lose stomach fat. You wear a scuba-like suit that uses vacuum technology while you keep your heart rate at what seems like an aerobic level for 30 minutes on a treadmill. You cannot eat 2 hours before your session, nor 2 hours after. After the post-2 hours you can have protein only and then 4 hours after that you can eat as normal. The big kicker, you cannot do any other exercise on the same day (if you really, really want to, you can 6 hours after Hypoxi). Despite logically and intellectually knowing better, I handed over my card and set up my appointments.<br />
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Back to my consultation, I voiced my concerns about cutting my workouts back so significantly and still seeing results that others see. Didn't make sense to me. She convinced me that since I had been in a 'plateau' that this would be perfect and to just give her ONE week where I didn't go to the gym on the days I did Hypoxi. You do a minimum of 3 sessions a week. And a maximum of 4 sessions, "because you need to let your body rest." I did scheduled for 4 appointments a week. I wanted maximum results! I was excited to try this out. She kept reassuring me not to worry, and that I'd have results.<br />
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My initial thoughts after the workout, the physical workout is nothing. The only reason I sweated was due to the fact that I was vacuum-sucked into that hot suit, in a small room with the weakest fan blowing. The vacuum sensations on the stomach was interesting. But the suit really did irritate my skin around my arm pits, but later I found out that was just due to her not carefully suiting me up. The sensation of being taken out of the suit is really nice. It feels like your body can finally breathe and move freely. I feel like I felt lighter since the suit can be really restrictive. I could only imagine that it has a similar effect on your mental being, too.<br />
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My second session, I got my measurements done. Four measurements just from the tummy area. They also weighed. Their scale is off by exactly 1 pound, too! Haha. This session I had a different girl working with me, and she put me in the suit properly so I didn't have the irritation on my upper arms. That was nice.<br />
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On my third session, I was downgraded to a smaller suit since she had noticed that the suit seemed to be big on me. That session definitely felt like, "wow, THIS is what it's supposed to feel like?!" the vacuum sensation was a lot stronger, so I was feeling pretty good about this whole Hypoxi thing.<br />
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Fourth, whatever. Nothing exciting.<br />
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On my days off I am going to the gym and doing my normal work outs. And I seriously looked so forward to my gym days. I looked forward to the feeling of sweat and accomplishment! I also looked forward to not having some ridiculous diet where I can't eat for 4.5 hours!<br />
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Weeks 2 begins. Monday the girl wants to weigh me to see my progress. I GAINED 4/10ths of a pound. Nice. Really nice. That could have been attributed to water retention from crawfish. Whatever, not a huge deal to me...<br />
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Seventh session, the girl wants to check my measurements. So, I join her in the private room, and pull up my dress and she starts measuring. I'm hearing a lot of, "hmmm... " "umm... I'm getting 'off numbers'" "hmm.. I'm going to have so-and-so measure you since she measured you the first time..." "I can't figure out where she did her measurements" I asked what she meant by, "off numbers" and she admitted the numbers were bigger. I was pissed. My torso is only so long... how can you not figure out where she did the four measurements? She tried to smooth it over with, "don't be like that... think positive... don't worry..." my instant reply was, "this is a very expensive thing to 'not worry' if I'm not getting results." Her: "you will! you'll get one more session in before your measurements tomorrow!" I don't know why she was saying it as if it were a positive thing. I had to bite my tongue to prevent myself from saying how it makes little to no sense as to why I would be excited that I get an extra session in before my measurements, because if this worked then they should be eager to get my measurements with minimal sessions, right? Ugh. I got suited up then did my 30 minutes on the treadmill. This workout was insanely horrible, my heart rate could barely get to where it needed to be and my legs (especially in my right leg) felt so stiff. I really feel my pissed off mood took its toll on me.<br />
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Eighth session. The girl who did my measurements suited me up and had me do my workout, shower and THEN I did my measurements. So, I'll do the math for you, I got 8 sessions before I got my progress measurements taken, when people normally get them after 6 sessions. So, the measurements are done in centimeters and the girl is making comments like, "ahhh..." "good..." "looks good..." so I'm elated. Once she's finished, she breaks down what the average results are for progress, two sessions ago. I essentially only lost HALF of what they normally see. I am pissed again. She tells me she's going to downgrade me to a different machine that targets legs, butt and stomach. So you see lesser results, but she wants to "jump-start my metabolism"................. I, by then, am getting a bit defensive, but trying to be as nice as possible. I mentioned that originally I was told that the fact that I was extremely active before and lessening that would NOT mean that I would run into a problem with seeing results. She says, "we don't mean to stop your outside workouts completely, only on days of Hypoxi" I told her I was continuing to workout on the non-Hypoxi days... Then she asked me what exactly I do at the gym. I told her the things I do. She suggests what I should do for the next 2 weeks, in conjunction with Hypoxi. She didn't want me to build muscle "because it reflects differently on the scale." First, my biggest concern isn't the scale. Hypoxi claims inches lost, not necessarily big weight loss. Second, you need muscle to burn fat. Increase of muscle results in increase of fat loss. Whatever, I didn't argue with her. But then she proceeds to tell me how I've been OVERDOING it in the gym. I call BULLSHIT. I'm not down <b>47lbs </b>by doing the wrong thing. So, before I leave, I ask her what my actual measurement loss is... 1.8inches. After two weeks.. Not even 2 inches. Again, that's FOUR measurements on the stomach. She mentions "in the second month..." second month? Hell no! I told her there was no way I was going to do a second month. She replied with, "well I guess if you can't afford it... but if you can, you need to" EFF THAT. One positive, I was down 1lb. Haha. One pound in two weeks. What a joke, but hey it's a loss.<br />
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So the weekend came, and I was just so angry at myself for falling for such a bullshit thing. I kept thinking about all the reviews I had read, all the people I had seen in the Hypoxi studio (obese and old people)... The reviews were a lot of "just had a baby" women or women who were just starting to work out. Of course they saw results. Now I know why they originally started the Hypoxi studio in Sugarland. Anyway, with my fuck all attitude, I did not track my food at all. I drank beer. I literally rode my ass to the gym the last hour that it was open, since I didn't want to work out with my crappy mood. I gained and retained, massively. 4 pounds gained from Friday to Monday.<br />
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Monday morning, I cancelled my Hypoxi appointment. I was still so pissed, I wanted to have a real workout. That evening, I had a major motivational 6 mile walk with my friend Sara, where I felt like I made this horrible decision and flushed my money down the drain, but I can be the only one to pull myself back up... Six miles of walking at Memorial, she really helped me gather my sanity back, haha. I had perspective again.<br />
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Tuesday, I got advice from co-workers as to what I should do about my last two weeks of Hypoxi. I decided I'm going to work out no matter what. So, it was a matter of will I do a warm up at Hypoxi then go to the gym? Why waste my time? One co-worker suggested I should just go and express all my feelings about it and see what they have to offer, if anything. I went, neither the owner/manager or the other girl was there... It was the owner's mother filling in. Ha. So, I told her I wanted to cancel my appointments since I felt it wasn't working. She said she'd have the owner/manager call me. It's Sunday evening, still haven't heard from her.<br />
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I think Hypoxi works for those who don't have a consistent exercise regimen nor eat well. I also think Hypoxi's results are closely related to water loss.<br />
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Since Monday night, I am down a solid 6lbs. Not bad! I definitely used this big, expensive lesson this week. I ate great. I spent as much time working out as my body and mental spirit felt like! I saw the results. One HUGE thing I saw this past week though, my endurance has easily been cut in half! I noticed I didn't have the strength or maybe even muscle memory (just a guess) just after two weeks of cutting my normal work outs so drastically. SO! Going to get back to where I was and keep trudging on...<br />
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Xx,<br />
Mbabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-44214706963293359122013-03-10T19:58:00.001-07:002013-03-10T19:58:16.990-07:00See by Chloe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/seebychloe-P377778?skuId=1491232" target="_blank">See by Chloe ($78 at Sephora)</a>is my new favorite perfume! I'm not normally big into perfumes since I typically get headaches from strong perfumes, but I'm big into this perfume! It's number one at Sephora right now, too. It's extremely light, fruity, sweet and girly. For perfumes I tend to lean toward sweet, vanilla scents. This particular scent just lifts my spirits. I was initially surprised that I was gaga over a perfume that's main note seems to be apple. Back on the light factor, I honestly feel like you cannot overdo this. Spray 20 spritzes and you won't smell like a street-walker. <br />
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I think the biggest setback for me is that it doesn't have the lasting power I wish it did. I don't like to reapply during the day. Since I like the scent so much I may consider buying a smaller size to carry in my purse, IF/when they come out with a roller ball or something.<br />
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Xx,<br />
M <br />
<br />babybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-71866938703935931892013-02-05T20:43:00.002-08:002013-02-05T20:43:12.087-08:00Crap, it's been 5 months!Excuse my French... but FUUUUUUCKKK! In the past FOUR months I've gone from -38lbs to -45lbs.<br />
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I know that is still good. But still. Four months... 7lbs. My biggest setback was injuring my knee (in heels at work, ugh!) in September, thinking it was just a minor thing, I kept working out on it, making any kind of intense cardio unbearable. In November I started physical therapy on my knee. It's a ton better now, but not quite where it needs to be to do what I <i>want</i> to do.<br />
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I went on two little trips during that time, not to mention birthday celebrations. A whole lot of excuses for not tracking every morsel of food into MyFitnessPal app. I don't even know how I've let January slip past me. My scale is broken, but I know how I feel when I'm losing weight. I don't feel that way. When I start feeling <i>that </i>way again, I'll bother messing with the scale, ha. In any case, I know I need to go back to being incredibly anal about my intake and logging everything on MyFitnessPal. It's what works for me. And the lack of understanding of intake is where I see so many people fail when they have the exercise component down. I have exercise down.<br />
<br />
In January I did Chalene Johnson's 30-Day PUSH Challenge. I set 10 goals, and a sub-goal (quarter goal aka by April 30th) be down ANOTHER 40lbs. Ha. I just KNOW I lost January, so I have to go back to what I know works for me. Even though I can't go as hard in the gym, I've been going for longer durations.<br />
<br />
Three months... I can do it! I promise, my next bloggy blog will not be about health.<br />
<br />
xox<br />
M<br />
<br />babybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-23348360455852369432012-09-03T10:54:00.000-07:002012-09-03T10:54:52.457-07:00September, September!Hello, hello!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i47.tinypic.com/rc7vya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i47.tinypic.com/rc7vya.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
Happy Labor Day out there to everyone... September is going to be a big month for me! I have been inspired by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZk40J_drws&feature=share&list=UU77WzpPRrYr0W5oeFjVIqwQ" target="_blank">Shay Carl</a> to set a few goals to accomplish in the month of September. I am pumped! I've gotten Bryce to join me in this, too. I also got a couple co-workers to set some goals, too. October 6th is my 27th birthday!!!! I'd like to feel like I used my last month of being 26 in a positive way. Here go my 3 goals:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/septemberrrr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/septemberrrr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(a few places I posted my goals)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1) <b>Be down 45lbs!</b> At this very moment I am down 33lbs. That means I am upping my past goals of losing 10lbs in a month to 12lbs. In order to reach this goal I've set some sub-goals, which is written on my calendar. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> -NO CHEAT MEALS!!!! Just day 3, this one has been a temptation! I have considered breaking this rule every day, ha. So far, I'm holding strong. It's just not worth it!!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> -Drink more water. I tend to slack on this at times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> -Drink my Shakeology once a day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> -Workout 6 days a week and push myself without breaking myself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) <b>No buying beauty products! </b>I have a horrible habit of wasting $$$ on beauty products. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> -Avoid e-window shopping</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> -Don't go into a retailer unless I need something specific.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> -When grocery shopping, avoid the cosmetics area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> -Put extra money into savings so I'm not tempted to spend it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) <b>Finish 3 books! </b>For a little bit there I slacked in feeding my brain and imagination with reading. It took me quite a long time to finish <i>Middlesex</i> even though I loved the book. I don't know why I was doing that. I used to read a book every week... My three books are <i>The Kill Order</i> (20% done already), <i>Clean </i>and <i>50 Shades of Grey.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> -Bring book in bubblebath, instead of being glued to my iphone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> -Bring Kindle to the gym some times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> -Use reading as a winding down tool in bed before sleep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> -When bored, pick up one of the books instead of going for NetFlix, YouTube, etc...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope some other people would like to set achievable goals for the month of September! 27... here I come!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">xoxxx,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">M</div>babybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-10300133785633323932012-08-13T18:54:00.002-07:002012-08-13T19:31:52.159-07:00Health Journey: Month FourHello, hello! I'm updating from a hot, epsom salt-filled bath due to the fact my right knee is acting up again! I was having issues with it during my first month, too. I hope it's just a tiny hiccup because I don't want to slow down! ;)<br />
<br />
I've noticed a pattern with my weightloss. Two weeks struggle with losing anything, then two weeks I shed. I'm not complaining, but I need to remind myself when I'm frustrated feeling like "it's not working." It is! So last month I said I was hoping to lose another 10lbs (making a total of 31) in a month, but that didn't happen. I also set out what I thought was an achievable goal at total loss of 29lbs. TWENTY-EIGHT! One pound! Boo. <br />
<br />
I'm actually FINE with it. Normally, I'd be beating myself up, but I'm proud at the loss so far. I am really getting to a point where I'm reading my body better. Which is why I can tell I've been retaining water. I've made it a new "goal" to pay closer attention to my sodium intake to avoid holding onto water weight. It's all good. :)<br />
<br />
My eating has been pretty on-point, but in the past two weeks I've been struggling with funky sleeping (lack of) and not feeling like spending hour upon hour at the gym. I guess I've been going through cycles! Today, a start of a brand new two weeks, I'm planning on putting in extra gym time. Last week I put in about seven, this week I'm aiming for ten. <br />
<br />
Ah, back to the 8lbs lost... My trainer said all of that loss was fat and not muscle! Woohoo! In the past I've lost lean muscle here and there. I'm also down 16". <br />
<br />
Even though the scale measures my accomplishments, right now I'm focused on BACKFAT! Ha. I am hoping to not see a hunk of fat back there soon! Soon... Or in the next few months. ;P<br />
<br />
I have two sessions left with my trainer. I won't be continuing with her for the time being since it's costly, I feel like I've learned invaluable things from her, and I have a good support system which also helps with accountability. <br />
<br />
Anywho! I'm feeling good, feeling proud, clothes are fitting better and still feel determined.<br />
<br />
Switching to shower-mode!<br />
<br />
Xx,<br />
Mbabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-22922898324038155882012-08-12T21:22:00.000-07:002012-08-12T21:22:31.856-07:00Quinoa Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Saw this on YouTube by ShayCarl, I think on his ShayLoss channel... Bryce, my co-workers and I thoroughly enjoyed this delicious quinoa recipe! I can't wait to make it again. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/quinoa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/quinoa2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This makes huge 8 servings, I'd say if I had eaten the bowl alone it would have been more than 12 servings.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>2 cups of quinoa</div><div>1 large tomato </div><div>1 onion</div><div>1 jalepeno</div><div>1 can of corn (you can use fresh)</div><div>1 1 can of black beans (you can use fresh)</div><div>2 bushes of cilantro</div><div>5 cloves of garlic</div><div>3 small limes</div><div>1 1/2 tbsp olive oil</div><div>1 tblsp salt</div><div>1 tspn cumin</div><div><br />
</div><div>Boil quinoa as per instructions in a covered pot.</div><div><br />
</div><div>During boil dice up tomato, onion, and cilantro in a BIG bowl. Finely chop jalepeno and garlic add to bowl. If using canned corn and beans, RINSE/strain, add to bowl. In a small bowl mix olive oil, salt, cumin and squeeze in lime juice, mix well with a fork.</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/quinoa1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/quinoa1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> Add quinoa to the bowl and mix around with the veggies. Add the lime juice mixture on top of quinoa and mix thoroughly.</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/quinoa3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/quinoa3.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div> </div><div><br />
</div><div>You can eat this with tortilla chips, on soft tortillas (I used small whole grain) and add guacamole, sour cream, salsa etc... You can also eat it alone! Enjoy :)</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/quinoa4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/quinoa4.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/quinoa5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/quinoa5.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>I added low-fat shredded cheese, salsa and a quarter avocado! It was DELICIOUS!<br />
<br />
xox,<br />
M<br />
<div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>babybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-48297786719224439472012-07-16T22:50:00.000-07:002012-07-16T22:50:01.830-07:00Health Journey: Month ThreeLast month I posted that my goal for July 17th was to be down 21lbs, total. Who was down 21 lbs on that date? <b>THIS GIRL</b>!<br />
<br />
In the last two weeks I lost 7 of those 9 lbs. In the last two weeks I have really upped my gym time. Last week I spent 10 hours at the gym total. I'm going to try and keep up that work... I need to figure out my workout schedule a little better so I'm not doing 3 hours of cardio in one day... Gah.<br />
<br />
Am I crazy to set my next goal to be 31lbs down by August 14th? Maybe so. I'll put out 29lbs or 31lbs out there.<br />
<br />
I'm feeling really good about my progress. After my training session today my trainer asked if I wanted to take a spin class with her. HOLY CRAP! I lasted... and I use the word "lasted" very loosely, for 20 minutes! Boo. Haha. No thank you. I felt like my quads were bulking insanely.<br />
<br />
I have a new rule for drinking out at restaurants... Keep it limited to 2 drinks and cut back on the food during that meal if I'm drinking. Last night for Tristan's birthday dinner approximately 5 glasses of different varieties of wine exceeded 700cals! I was pretty horrified when I was entering my dinner in <i>myfitnesspal</i>. After having worked out for THREE hours at the gym, my damn dinner of sushi and wine made me feel like my progress was spoiled. BUT... <i>myfitnesspal</i> said I could technically consume 1,800 more calories.<br />
<br />
ANYWAY! I would love to go for a month of not eating bad at all. Month three had 4 bad days. Let's see! August 14th, I'm coming for you!<br />
<br />
xx<br />
Mbabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-19320928108169913082012-07-09T19:55:00.001-07:002012-07-09T19:56:55.442-07:00Little Haul...I treated myself to some beauty shopping the other day since I feel like I haven't splurged in awhile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/haul1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/haul1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>First stop was Lush! I got a foot mask that the sales girl just sold to me. It smells like a yummy cinnamon and papaya. Will try soon. I got the <i>Eau Roma Water </i>- my favorite toner! And my new favorite shower gel <i>The Olive Branch</i>. I would like every product in life to smell like this shower gel, ha.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/haul3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/haul3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My next stop was at Sephora. Needed a new powder brush. A couple face primers. I've been using Benefit's <i>The Porefessional</i>. I like it, but I'm interested in seeing if I like Smashbox's better or not. I also grabbed a Nars <i>Laguna</i> bronzer since I'm nearly out. A very good bronzer for fairer-skinned folks like myself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/haul2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/haul2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>I got this little kit from Benefit with some nice goodies. $38 for an $86 value, yes please! I've been enjoying the <i>Stay Don't Stray</i> primer. I didn't like <i>Eye Bright</i> years ago when I tried it, but I've actually taken a liking to it! I like to use it on my inner corner then pat a little bit of Urban Decay's <i>Virgin</i> on top. <i>High Beam</i> is a nice highlight. And <i>Bella Bamba</i> blush is gorgeous!<br />
<br />
Thaaat's about it.<br />
<br />
xx<br />
Mbabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-77533393628637425762012-06-26T21:42:00.000-07:002012-06-26T21:42:53.581-07:00Nosebleeds, Rave Product aaannndddd...I'm going to be brief with each thing I want to mention.<br />
<br />
1) Can getting nosebleeds be in my genes? It seems to be something I got from my mother. My sister gets nosebleeds easily, too. I hate when I'm in the shower and the warm water trickles down my face. I'm CONSTANTLY checking for blood! Ha. What are different reasons for nosebleeds? I try to drink or eat oranges, I hear that stops it back on like that "olympic"/"warrior" show where people compete on different obstacle courses. Am I crazy or does someone know what I'm talking about? American gladiator???<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/olivebranch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/olivebranch.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>2)<br />
I LOVE THIS SHOWER GEL!!!! It smells DELICIOUS (light sweet) and doesn't dry out my skin. I got the travel size to try out, but I will definitely be repurchasing on the largest bottle!<br />
<br />
3) I'm trying out a month supply of <a href="http://www.shakeology.com/" target="_blank">Shakelogy</a>. I've been making shakes for almost a week now. I was having one for breakfast, but I've switched to post-workouts instead for the convenience of time in the morning. I'll get back on what my thoughts are about this product in a later blog!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/watermelon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/watermelon.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>4) <br />
OBSESSED. I can't get enough of watermelon! I've been replacing late night snacks with watermelon. YUM! Bryce is out getting me some at nearly midnight. Ha. Aw. :)<br />
<br />
xox,<br />
Mbabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-42446207737426652862012-06-18T10:04:00.000-07:002012-06-18T10:04:18.236-07:00Health Journey: Month TwoHey guys!<br />
<br />
Another month has passed... This morning was weigh-in and measurements. I'm down a total of 12lbs!!!! My next goal is to be down a total of 21lbs by July 16th. I CAN and WILL do this!<br />
<br />
I still have ten more sessions with my personal trainer and am seriously so thankful for her! After my sessions are over, I'm going to just fly solo. As for my own workouts I've been really noticing how easier things are becoming. The machine I hate MOST, the jacobs ladder, I could barely do 2 minutes straight, I did 15 minutes straight yesterday! My goal was 10 minutes. It was a very proud moment for me.<br />
<br />
Starting tomorrow I will be increasing my resistance and intensity so I avoid hitting a plateau. I really want to hit -21lbs next measurements!<br />
<br />
Nutrition has been a struggle a couple times this past month. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that my receptionist has been off for her pregnancy, so I've not prepared properly for meals and snacks during the day, so when I get home for dinner I get the mentality of, "well I barely ate anything today... straying from healthy eating will be OK" I have removed that from my mentality!!!! I feel so motivated for this month.<br />
<br />
Trying not to be too hard on myself for not losing numbers as fast as I have in the past. I'm doing it healthily this time!<br />
<br />
xox,<br />
Mbabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-29458731609307101822012-06-11T18:41:00.001-07:002012-06-11T18:45:54.683-07:00Deborah Lippmann The Stripper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.bloomingdales.com/is/image/BLM/products/4/optimized/1226024_fpx.tif?wid=1200&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=sharp2&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.bloomingdales.com/is/image/BLM/products/4/optimized/1226024_fpx.tif?wid=1200&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=sharp2&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg" width="256" /></a></div>Nail Polish Junkies,<br />
<br />
Ever have to give your nails time to "breathe"? I used to think that my nails needed breathing breaks from wearing polish because my fingers/nails would feel a dull ache for at least 12 hours. Birchbox sent me a sample of Deborah Lippmann's <i>The Stripper</i> (to-go). I noticed the smell was very pleasant. Lavender. Not the harsh, "who the hell is using nail polish remover?!" smell.The little mitt got my glitter off SO well! But 6 mitts (one mitt can remove both hands) is $12 and that's just RIDICULOUS.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2043822912"><br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://beauty.com/">Beauty.com</a> e-mailed me with an offer of a free DL polish if I spent $10 so I decided to try out the full-size of <i>The Stripper</i>. With a price tag of $18 for 4oz... yikes! I may have 5 uses left in my current bottle. So that will have been a total of 3 months, maybe 3 and a half. That's kind of steep for nailpolish remover. But I can tell you I have noticed a huge difference in my nails. No pain. No irritation. And frankly, it does work better than the removers I buy from the drug store. I will be repurchasing, but also researching alternative removers with lavender and aloe in their formulas.<br />
<br />
xx,<br />
Fellow Junkiebabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-48635529039549565342012-05-25T22:46:00.000-07:002012-05-25T22:46:01.744-07:00Nailpolish ShelvesThere are a lot of important things happening in the world... and clearly the fact that my nailpolish shelves are built and finished IS blog-worthy!<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago I was researching storage options for my nailpolish. I was getting sick of blindly pulling colors and ruining the order of my "beauty table." I was willing to fork over the $100 for a typical clear, plastic polish display until I came across a random fellow lacquer-lover's blog. She had her boyfriend build her some wooden shelves and painted them. AHA! Brilliant!<br />
<br />
Luckily, Bryce uses all those manly tools for his job installing art. He cut the wood and did all that drilling business. I chose my colors:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/colors.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I decided I wanted ROSE GOLD GLITTER with an accent of blue-<b>ish</b>.<br />
<br />
After a lot of nagging, I finally got my shelves!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/polishshelf8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/polishshelf8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/polishshelf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/polishshelf1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>and more...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/polishshelf4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/polishshelf4.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/polishshelf6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/polishshelf6.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Okay! I'll stop.<br />
<br />
It took me quite awhile to go through all my polish and throw away the ones that were looking retired. Then I had to decide the color-coding... White people problems. Ha. I had to keep shifting the colors around once I'd find more reds or what have you. ANYWAY, those are my babies.<br />
<br />
What do I do when I get more polish? I MIGHT be able to use two and half of the shelves with appliances and utensils on it. Did I already mention white people problems? HAHA! On second thought: nailpolish... Asian people problems. Ba-da-bump!<br />
<br />
xx,<br />
Mbabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-26500452304973929292012-05-22T22:23:00.002-07:002012-05-22T22:30:35.728-07:00Health Journey (Once upon a time...)I've probably sufficiently annoyed Facebookers with all my gym check-ins and talk about working out. Oh, but I'm not finished! Ha.<br />
<br />
A month ago, I suckered myself into trying the Blue Print Cleanse and figured, "EFF IT! You started, you're going to continue...!" Continue with looking out for my health. I signed up for a membership at a fitness club in literal walking distance and began working out that very afternoon.<br />
<br />
I got my free 1-hour personal training session... HOW DEPRESSING! We did a weigh-in, measurements, including FAT measurements. I died. Seriously. I'm still carrying that dead Monica inside me. I will get rid of that ho. We talked about my terrible eating habits (two big not-so-nutritious meals toward the end of the day + nighttime dessert with B) and what I <i>should</i> be doing. The trainer kicked my ass.<br />
<br />
I decided to ask my parents to early birthday gift me a package of ten sessions with Nicole, my personal trainer. Sweet. I really didn't want to fork over the $750.<br />
<br />
She set up a general workout regimen for me when I'm not working out with her. She's got me consuming a lot more protein throughout the day and loading me up with water. I feel great. I've only very recently started craving pizza, ha. At the moment I'm seeing her Monday and Wednesday. She kicks my ass so badly I wobble home. Every two weeks we weigh. Every four weeks we do all weighing and measuring. I have lost a total of 5lbs in FAT (+gained lean muscle) in this first month.<br />
<br />
I'm kind of proud. I'm mostly very disappointed, haha. I know I'm consuming more, but creating muscle which will effectively burn off the fat "for good" as opposed to near starving myself and losing a lot of weight faster. It's SO tempting to do the latter. But she actually caught that I wasn't consuming as much protein when she did my measurements. I didn't think it'd matter, but I felt like a dumbass when I was caught, haha.<br />
<br />
Another HUGE disappointment is throughout this month I've truly gotten to see how terribly out of shape I've gotten in these past few years. Nicole has me run up and down two flights of stairs three times, mixed with some freaking jumping jacks and I'm already wishing our hour was up! DYING. I freaking hate our routines with those damn stairs, haha. As well as the Jacobs Ladder. I'm on there for 3 minutes and I'm sweating. My ankles kill. My calves kill. My spirit deadens. Haha.<br />
<br />
I think of how a little over a year ago I was getting back into working out because at that moment I was the most out of shape I had been (HAAA). I quit my job and for the past year I've just been gaining weight like a hungry madman (a tiny <strike>fuc</strike>...<i>thank you</i> to birthcontrol). I quickly gained that 15-20lbs back and why the hell not gain some more, Monica. Not to mention like 6 years ago when I was obsessed with working out and dropped 40lbs but my boobs went up a cup. Haha. Oh to be young... Now I'm working my ass of like crazy to do it healthily and kick my 18-20 year old self for falling off the wagon. I swear it sneaks up on you!<br />
<br />
I did this to me. I'm undoing this to me.<br />
<br />
xox,<br />
Mbabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-69863226932133173782012-05-07T21:24:00.001-07:002012-05-25T22:56:35.066-07:00Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/bobbi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/bobbi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This eye cream is absolutely A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! This year I've really noticed tiny, fine lines underneath my lower lash line. ALSO, the skin under my eye feeling dry and sensitive. I suppose all the years of rubbing make-up off with regular skin cleanser. Accepting the fact that I'm 26 years old and probably should be loading my eyes with a great eye cream got me on the hunt!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/product/2572/8006/Skincare/Moisturizers/Eyes/EXTRA-Eye-Repair-Cream/index.tmpl" target="_blank">Bobbi Brown's EXTRA Eye Repair Cream</a> was that answer! The cream is $68, HOWEVER, I've been using it for two months and I've skimmed the top. I can see this product lasting 8 months, used during the day under your makeup and at night.<br />
<br />
I've been using this cream mainly during my night routine. It's a thick, luxurious cream that can be used very sparingly. I lightly tap a thin coverage with my ring finger, let it absorb for a couple minutes the continue with my routine.<br />
<br />
This cream WORKS! Even though I didn't start with many lines, I'd say at LEAST 90% is gone. My under eye area doesn't feel sensitive nor dry. It's what I wanted and that's what it delivered.<br />
<br />
xox,<br />
Mbabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-40496863616614437382012-04-23T16:53:00.001-07:002012-05-25T23:01:11.948-07:00Blue Print CleanseI tried what the call "the cleanse for foodies" after my good (and very tiny) friend, Andrea, mentioned her experience. She lost 5 lbs and said it wasn't too bad. Of course, I think "shit I have way more to lose!" and the packaging is adorable. Yes, I'm a big S-U-C-K-E-R! To be fair, she said it wasn't like the holy experience that many reviewers tend to claim, just that it was relatively easy and she lost some weight.<br />
<br />
There are three different levels of the cleanse <i>Renovation</i> (beginners), <i>Foundation </i>(intermediate), and <i>Excavation </i>(advanced). You can do as many days as you like, I went with the most they allow you to buy at once, three days. <i>Renovation! </i>Three days plus $10 shipping cost me <b><i>$225</i></b>!!!! Boo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/renovation_cleanse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/renovation_cleanse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My biggest concerns:<br />
-How the hell am I going to stomach cashew milk? I vehemently HATE white drinks, especially MILK drinks. <br />
-Will I be dying of hunger?<br />
<br />
First concern, Blue Print Cleanse does have an option of claiming to be allergic to nuts. At first I hopped on that, but right before I was going to submit my credit card information I decided that I was just going to do what they really recommend. For those who really are allergic, or can't stomach white drinks (ha), they will send you two #4's.<br />
<br />
Second concern, I truly was not hungry AT ALL. But my cravings were insane. I wanted pizza. I wanted oysters. I wanted sushi. I wanted steak. I wanted ramen. I wanted oranges. I wanted pickles. I wanted SOLIDS! Just the very fact that I knew I couldn't eat food made me want it so badly.<i> </i> <br />
<br />
My cooler box arrived Friday morning, but since I had a lunch date with my friend Jessica, I decided to start Saturday. Well, being as I'm off Sunday and Monday, I wish I would have just juice'd it up at lunch with Jess. Oh well. Haha.<br />
Juices:<br />
1&3) <i>Green</i>: romaine lettuce, celery, cucumber, apple, spinach, kale, parsley and lemon. This juice was my least favorite. It wasn't terrible. It tasted like tangy cucumber. I wish that they wouldn't put the apple in this one, I'd have liked it a lot better. The tangy taste was slightly off-putting.<br />
2) <i>P.A.M.</i>(gold): pineapple, apple, and mint. YUMMY! This juice tasted like minty pineapple juice. I love pineapple juice. I could see myself grabbing this drink at Whole Foods just for the delicious taste.<br />
4) <i>Spicy Lemonade </i>(yellow): water, lemon, agave nectar, and cayenne. YUMMY! x's 10! Had I known I'd love this juice so much, I would have just taken a gander at the Master Cleanse where it's nothing but this! (btw my friend Jessica did this for 40 days... she's a badass!)<br />
5) <i>C.A.B. </i>(red): carrot, apple, beet, lemon, ginger. This one was OK. I liked the ginger in it, but all in all I was indifferent toward this juice.<br />
6) <i>Cashew Milk </i>(white): cashew, water, vanilla, cinnamon, and agave. Dun, dun, DUN! I actually LOVED it! I think the fact that there was a slight gritty consistency (and I drank it in the dark...) really helped! It was really delicious. I imagine all sweet-tooth folks would like this one the best.<br />
<br />
<br />
Day 1: Easy. Though, I did have a killer headache all day. I started around 12pm and it took about an hour to drink them since they were 16oz and I wasn't particularly hungry. I did crave food like I've mentioned.<br />
<br />
Day 2: Didn't wake up hungry at all. Killer headache second half of the day. Didn't drink the cashew milk since I was tired and had 5 and 6 left, so I chugged #5 and was too full, so gave Bryce the cashew milk.<br />
<br />
Day 3: OVER THE JUICE. No headache or anything. Before going to the gym I told Bryce I didn't want my juices anymore so he drank #5 and #6! Ha. Thanks...<br />
<br />
Anyway, I honestly wouldn't recommend. Won't repurchase. It was a nice waste of money. Haha. I lost 5lbs, but after doing research I wish I would have done the Master Cleanse because that was so yummy!<br />
<br />
No thanks to cleanse!<br />
<br />
xoxbabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-73752439191173076712012-04-18T20:29:00.000-07:002012-04-18T20:29:59.175-07:00Couch and CajunAfter waiting over 4 months, I finally got a couch! But it wasn't from the original furniture store. I've had the WORST buying experience with Fingers Furniture. I won't even go into the details, because I'll probably get irrationally annoyed and itchy. With the awesome advice of Austin Payne, I decided to take my business Gallery Furniture and got my new couch day of purchase! And spent a fraction of the price. They <i>SAVED</i> me <i>MONEY</i>! Can't beat that. Fingers still owes me $500. Gah.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/blurrycouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/blurrycouch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Camera focused on lamp...)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's super comfy. The boys aren't allowed to get their stinky selves on the couch. We need some kind of rug, I think! AND Bryce needs to hang all our art, as you can see. It's embarrassing and ironic that Bryce is an ART INSTALLER! Anyway. Somehow already there is a smidge of INK on the couch. Anyone know of ways to remove? If not, I'll google soon. Fantastic does NOT work, ha. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/crawfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/crawfish.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lately I am OBSESSED with crawfish. I used to just avoid it, since it seemed like a pain in the ass to eat. It's still a pain in the ass, but I have cravings, damnit! The other day, I ordered crawfish to go, and peeled away, sucked brains happily while watching random Tyra Show clips (gay for pay, anyone?!) but I couldn't help but notice the little bastards ruined my nailpolish! Can one wear latex gloves to break open mudbugs?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> My other (life) obsession has been oysters. I've always loved raw oysters, so I've been eating more than my fair share of that. Did you know, you can eat almost 81 lbs of raw oysters a week before worrying about mercury poisoning? Google told me! How tempting that sounds... Slurp, slurp! There are only a couple more weeks of April left, then it's the dreaded months without "r"! :( If I weren't going on a juice cleanse this weekend, I'd be crawfish, shrimp and oystering it up! I guess I'll "ease" into solids by eating oysters. Heee. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">xx,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Moni </div>babybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-5325978660214210332012-04-11T20:42:00.002-07:002012-04-11T20:44:47.910-07:00NOTDNails Of The Day! Haha. I'm sure there are other people who truly keep up with all their nail looks. My goal is to do two different looks a week, because FRANKLY I have way too much nail polish not to change it out at least twice a week! The downfall... my new favorite nail polish remover (The Stripper) is $18 for 4oz. Ha. Seriously, Monica? Seriously.<br />
<br />
Speaking of goals, I failed blogging every day for a month. I made it exactly 2 weeks. Womp womp...<br />
<br />
Onto the nails! Main color + accent photo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/hkmint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/hkmint.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hello Kitty- Minty (crappy brush and a bit streaky)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/mintbutter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/mintbutter.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ring finger: butter LONDON's Henley Regatta (lovey)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">+ Seche Vite's fast drying topcoat (THE best!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">xx,</div><div style="text-align: left;">M</div>babybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-77723780374508443432012-04-01T21:46:00.000-07:002012-04-01T21:46:50.587-07:00Swinging in the park...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/BBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/BBC.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bryce and I watched some Harry Potter tonight, ate Crave cupcakes (red velvet MMM!), and then had the joy of cleaning up a bit! Milton chewed up Sorrel, my alligator claw back scratched (UGH!!!) so that caused me to want to clean up our bedroom. Not to mention my clothes were exploded everywhere.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thinking it was cool out, I suggested we hop over to Menil park and hang out and listen to our ipods and <i>stuff</i>. I pushed Bryce on the red swing for a minute. I hopped on and two minutes later a douchey cop in a truck obnoxiously shown his bright light on us until we walked over to our car. I guess the park is closed by 10:30pm? Whatever. We didn't get to make the park pretty.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bryce and I decided to go to the swings on Allen Parkway, but then the place we needed to make the block was closed off. So, we went home. Bryce was frustrated and a poop.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">xx,</div><div style="text-align: left;">BBC ;)</div>babybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-27119846674831384122012-03-31T21:43:00.001-07:002012-03-31T21:43:27.323-07:00Books. Omg, books.Ha. <br />
<br />
I've been very reading lazy lately. I think for half of March! I downloaded a book 2 weeks ago. I read... A page? I'm listening to an audio book. Well, I started listening, but outside noise prevented me from making to chapter 3. <br />
<br />
Last but not least, I still haven't gotten past Catherine of Aragon in the mini textbook of Henry 8ths baby mammas. <br />
<br />
My weekend will have a good bit of time dedicated to reading. I may be getting dumberz.<br />
<br />
Xoxox<br />
<br />
babybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-16631060663134338872012-03-30T21:27:00.001-07:002012-03-30T21:27:03.941-07:00LotteryIf it gets to the $billions do they just keep going???<br />
<br />
I hope one of my friends wins! ;)<br />
<br />
Xxbabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-81012152135774989012012-03-29T19:03:00.000-07:002012-03-29T19:03:45.704-07:00Still feeling crappy *TMI*Last night I went to bed feeling extremely queasy, hoping I'd sleep it off. In the morning I had an unpleasant bathroom experience. I felt the bubble guts ALL DAY, but luckily didn't have to deal with any action, so to speak. Ha. Lying in bed after work, the horrible nausea comes back! Great. Bryce joined me to cuddle and decompress... UUuuuuggghhh... I felt so terrible even my PIMPLE was causing me pain. Haha. As expected, VOMIT. Goodbye, sandwich.<br />
<br />
It smelled like ponzu sauce.<br />
<br />
xx,<br />
Mbabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-7419529283039365352012-03-28T19:30:00.000-07:002012-03-28T19:30:10.470-07:00QueasyI'm feeling sick, but said I'd blog once a day for a month.<br />
<br />
Snoop bloggy blog.<br />
<br />
Watching season 1 of Amazing Race again this evening... :) <br />
<br />
xox,<br />
Mbabybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5882743721606193786.post-15162920296753470932012-03-27T21:18:00.000-07:002012-03-27T21:18:44.415-07:00China Glaze Hunger Games CollectionMy Hunger Games nailpolish came in today! They're cute!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/hgnailpolish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/hgnailpolish.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Luxe and Lush, Fast Track</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/hgnailpolish2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/vomitwut/hgnailpolish2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Smoke and Ashes, Riveting</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm excited to try these out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm watching season 1 of The Amazing Race... wow! Haha. How technology and accents have changed! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">xox,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">M</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>babybearcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17811426579803497157noreply@blogger.com0