Review :: 'Featured on Pursebuzz.com' :: L'oreal Hip Jelly Lip Balm in 'Plush'

I think I may have forgotten to let you all know that I will be doing some beauty product reviews for the Pursebuzz.com Blogger Team! It is purely volunteer - I DO NOT get paid to do any reviews on her website. It is merely just for fun and my way of contributing to my favorite beauty website as well as sharing my thoughts on beauty products to the beauty community. a month or so ago, Elessa from pursebuzz announce on twitter - she was looking for volunteer bloggers that may be interested in writing blogs for pursebuzz.com - i sent her an e-mail with the requirements.. and a few weeks afterwards - i got the e-mail that I was one of the lucky ones that were chosen to be part of this awesome Team! 

So with that said - I had the opportunity to review the following Item:

L'oreal Hip Jelly Lip Balm in the color "Plush"

Price: $7-8 

Where to Buy: at your local drugstores (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid/Target)

Pros: 

• Smells AMAZING (like cotton candy)
• Is not sticky, glides on very opaque
• lightweight
• gives your lips a subtle color - natural looking
• not too much of a shine
• a lot of product to last you quite a long time

For the complete review with Pictures and details, please visit the official review - Located HERE.

Gym Session :: 06/19/2011

Happy Father's Day to all the Amazing Dad's out there! Hope you all had an amazing weekend with the daddies in your life!

My Hubby and I spent our morning... of course at the gym! :) i'm so proud of myself that i was able to go throughout this week and hoping the momentum will still continue even though i'm going back to work.

I did legs/biceps and abs as usual.. added a few things here and there.. here is my workout for the day.


Legs:
- Squats (olympic bar + weights) - 115lbs - 5 sets of 5 repetitions.
- Dumbbell Dead Lifts - 35lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions
- Bulgarian lunges - bodyweight - 3 sets of 12 repetitions
- Standing Calve raises - 4 sets of 20 repetitions
- Thigh Abductor (Machine) 30lbs - 3 sets of 12 repetitions
- Thigh Adductor (Machine) 30lbs - 3 sets of 12 repetitions

Biceps:
- Concentration Curls - 15lbs each hand - 5 sets of 5 repetitions
- Hammer Curls - 12.5 lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions
- Cross body Curl - 12.5lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

Triceps:
- Bench Dips (bodyweight) - 3 sets of 8 repetitions
- Kickbacks - 5lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

Abs:
- Lying Crunches (on ab-machine) 3 sets of 30 repetitions
- Hanging leg lifts (On dip machine) 3 sets of 20 repetitions

Hubby and I cooled down and stretched after our workout - which i must remind myself and all of my readers.. how important it is to stretch! trust me - i never used to stretch when I was younger, but when you get older.. it is a MUST! you do not want to pull a muscle, or have it tear! so stretch, stretch, STRETCH after your workout!

Alright - time to have lunch with my dad and family and then visit hubby's dad and family! Enjoy this beautiful day! be positive! :)

Random Vlogging :: Field trip to the Farm...

Hello Everyone!

I actually had the courage to do a vlog (Video Blog) about my day at the Farm. Farm?! lol I know.. 

Well My two kiddies had a field trip with their preschool class to a Farm to go Strawberry picking and also looks at all the cute animals and what not. Luckily Hubby & I were not working so we were able to attend this memorable event with our children!

Hubby had to drive separately because he gets nauseous on buses and it was perfect for us in case we wanted to go home early or just wanted to leave after the field trip (which we did)

So I did a mini vlog of our trip.. it's rather short because:

 1) as i was blogging on the bus - i got super nauseous LOL

 2) i was so busy with my girls (running around on the field and what not carrying two boxes of strawberries couldn't film)

But we all had tons of fun - I decided to also add a snippet of how crazy my girls are - they always are full of laughter and always brighten up my day lol.. ;) Hope you enjoy a day in the life of MyFitBeauty as Mommy.

I wasn't able to take video during strawberry picking because I did have my hands full helping the girls pick their strawberries. But My Husband did take some pictures of us during all the fun :) Enjoy!
Let me know in the comments below, or on youtube (don't forget to like the video if you liked it!) if you like more videos like this! i loved doing this with the girls, especially at the end. You have NO idea how hard they were laughing...
anywho! enjoy the pictures!

Jasmyn always has to have her Diva moment ;p

If you watched the video - we went to Islands (we haven't had it in ages).. for lunch - was super pooped after all the fun at the farm. went home and the girls just had energy for days lol.. 

it was an awesome day spent with our girls. i hope you all enjoyed my blog about  a day in the life :p i had tons of fun making the video and editing it. my girls helped me! :) alright - till next time! toodles! 

Gym Session :: 06/18/2011

Happy Saturday Everyone! I've been super busy the past week (and i'm supposed to be on vacation lol).. Started off this morning super early by taking my oldest daughter to her Dentist appointment. luckily it wasn't too long - afterwards, went home scooped up Jasli and Daddy and headed off to the gym.

The girls actually love coming with us to the gym because they have a kid's club and it's fun for the girls to play with other kids over there. Today I worked out chest/back and did some cardio as well.

Here is my workout for today:

Back:

- Cable Row - 75lbs - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

- Lat Pull Down (Wide Grip) - 60lbs - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

- Bent Over Barbell Rows (from ground) - 40lbs - 3 sets of 12 repetitions

- One Arm Pull-Down (machine + free weights) 30lb each side - 3 sets of 12 repetitions

Chest:

- Barbell Bench Press - 65lbs - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

- Incline Dumbbell Press - 15lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

- Dumbbell Flyes - 10lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

Abs:

- Crunches - (Ab Machine) - 3 sets of 30 repetitions

- Leg Lifts - (bodyweight) - 3 sets of 25 repetitions

Cardio:

- 10 minutes on stair master

- 15 minutes on treadmill (incline - light jog)

That pretty much was my workout for today! I just got back from the mall with the kiddos - since Hubby got called in to work some overtime (we were all supposed to go shopping).. 

The mall we went to was a disaster lol so many people last minute shopping like myself lol - not to mention longest lines ever, clothes everywhere.. and then the kids got a balloon each, but of course it was so crowded The little one let go on accident and i couldn't retrieve it lol. but she was in good spirits and kept saying, "it's okay mommy". i felt horrible lol.. if daddy was there he would've been able to get it :D

anywho... it all of a sudden is like super hot outside.. I swear the weather is bipolar around my neck of the woods.. but i guess i can't complain :) I hope all of you have a fantastic weekend - please enjoy father's day with your families! till my next blog!

Gym Session :: 06/15/2011 and a rant lol..

I'm glad that I was able to get up early and head over to the gym. It was Leg day.. And even though I didn't have my husband there or Karen (slacker!!) lol.. i still had a great workout! really pushed myself on the squats.. 


So this is what i did today.. i did take a pre-workout supplement (White Flood).. got my adrenaline going!


Legs:

- Squats (with olympic bar + weights) 125lbs - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

- Dumbbell Deadlifts 35lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

- Lying Leg Curls (machine) - 30lbs - 3 sets of 12 repetitions

- Standing calf raises - 3 sets of 20 repetitions

Biceps:

- Alternating Seated Dumbbell Curl - 15lbs each hand - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

- Standing Hammer Curls - 15lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

Abs:

- Leg Lifts - 3 sets of 30 (omg my lower tummy needs this LOL - still SO weak after having a c-section almost 5 years ago!) 

- Crunches - 3 sets of 30 reps

but that was pretty much my workout. i will say that - before you judge someone - just know everyone has a story...just think about this - People call a girl 'fat', No one knows she has a serious disease which causes her to be overweight . Or maybe they might look overweight to you when they have lost weight and are still in the process of losing weight. I'd hate for anyone to get discouraged from anyone saying mean things to them.. 

I know now to not let anyone bother me about stupid comments, or just in general. I know MY story, my struggles and my journey. Yes I have lost 21lbs doing it the right way.. not crash dieting or anything.. yes i may not look like the skinniest girl in the world.. but i'm a work in progress. i'm so proud of how far i've come and i'm thankful for the support of my family and real friends who know me :)

so if you ever feel discouraged - Don't! just means you need to work harder.. and that's always a good thing - let it fuel the fire within you! because you can do anything you set your mind to! My goal - i feel i keep repeating myself, is to lose another 20lbs and gain lean muscle. I'm hoping to do this by my birthday in september.. I know I can do it! and I know for those of you mommies who are on the same boat as myself.. I know You can do it too! Who's with me?! 

Lunch with Some amazing ladies at Veggie Grill

So yesterday I had the opportunity to meet with Jessika, Nicole, Tatiana, Ingrid & Angie at the Grove. April had originally set this up for us - but she was unable to make it (we missed you April!) but definitely we all have plans to do this again!

We ate lunch at the Veggie Grill. It was my first time there - I ended up ordering the Santa Fe Chicken sandwich with Sweetheart Fries (SO yum) - it was the the perfect meal as I was starving from trying to look for the place.

This is the only picture that I have of all of us girls together (shame on me i know - didn't take any pictures lol) Angie was kind enough to get someone to snap a few pictures of us - lol the lady who took our picture did not know how to operate an iphone - so she took numerous photos of us.. and this is the winning one that Angie sent to us! (Thank you Angie!) :)

L-R: Me, Ingrid, Jessika, Angie, Nikki & Tatiana

I had an awesome time! I must admit I was rather quiet most of the time - I get rather shy in front of new people lol.. but for those that know me.. know i'm super cray cray LOL.. 

Ingrid was actually blogging when i first got there - and im in her video for about like 3 seconds haha.. but here are some of the vlogging that was going on during our stay (these are not my videos btw - these are theirs from their channel - please feel free to check them out they are awesome ladies!)

LoL - you'll see me at 0:51 of Nikki's video.. im such a nerd *wave hi*


Lol @ Me next to Tatiana at 1:06 of Ingrid's Video.. 
So I had an amazing time! we talked a whole bunch.. and then wrapped it all up and went home! it was my first time going to the Grove and definitely can see myself going there more often.. loved the shops that they had in there! and will definitely take my husband to Veggie Grill as well! :) Till next time!

Video :: Sigma Dry'N Shape Demo & Review vs Air Drying & Brush Guards

I'm sure plenty of you have heard about Sigma's new Brush Drying system. If you haven't and you own make-up brushes and currently are at wits end when you wash and air dry them.. you don't have to pull your hair out! 

I have read on twitter, Sigma launch this latest invention about a month ago - I did purchase this myself with my own money because I honestly dreaded when I had to wash my brushes because they'd never be ready the next day when I needed them when i was to get ready for work. 

So when I heard about this revolutionary brush drying system that guaranteed to completely dry my brushes in 4-6 hours - i was like.. I HAVE TO TRY THIS! 

I then decided to jump on the band wagon and purchase it. I was skeptical because the Sigmax Brushes (F80, F82, F84) are SO dense - those take like 2-3 days to dry when I would air dry them (with brush guards)

I did a lot of reading about this product that it did in fact dry the Sigmax brushes in 6 hours.

I did a mini Demo with washing my brushes & air drying them - some with brush guards, some with out.. and then i washed my brushes the next day testing the Sigma Shape'N Dry system.. and here is the video so you can see it live:

I must say - the video honestly does not do the Sigma Dry'N Shape justice - cause you can't really see how dry the brushes are compared to when I air-dryed them - when I air dryed the brushes.. they were Still completely wet that i couldn't use them when I was getting ready for work (only the eye brushes dryed, but still took over 8 hours to dry overnight)..

After washing - this was air drying/putting them in brush guards

Brush above - still super wet..

Eye brushes were rather dry though..

this is how i like to use the Dry N' Shape to dry my brushes

but my overall thoughts of this product:

Packaging: 4.5/5
Like I mentioned - Sigma always packages their products so neatly. The product came with really informative brochure on how to use the product and a lot of information on the product itself. I love the box that it came in - their signature 'Sigma Beauty' stamped on it. I am such a fan of their packaging and every little detail they add to make it their own. the Dry'N Shape itself is a sturdy/durable product. the black color makes it very sleek and modern and I like that you can have it hold your brushes as well if you were to travel :)

Quality: 4.5/5
Like I mentioned - extremely durable/sturdy material - at the same time the texture is just so soft! the elastic bands are also sturdy - the make is not flimsy at all. i'm sure i'll get a lot of use from this product. i'm very curious to see how long it will last before you'll notice any wear and tear. but seems very solid.

Usage: 4/5
It's quite simple to use, and they have a video on their youtube channel which i believe shows you how to use it. it comes with a little pamphlet on how to use it as well in the box it comes with. when it is brand new, it is quite difficult to put the brush in because it's so new and tight.. but otherwise - it's a breeze to use.

Overall: 4.5/5
An extremely well rounded product that really does what it promises. dries my brushes in record time. I never have to wait overnight and hope my brushes are ready for me to use when i get ready for work. I will most likely be purchasing another one only because I have so many brushes and i'd like to just wash them once and have them be done! so i definitely recommend this - especially for the price - if you have make-up brushes, hate waiting for them to dry like I do. they also keep your brushes looking like new by keeping them in shape. with the brush guards - they weren't as tight, and still would be wet in the middle that when i'd remove the brush guard - the bristles would just splay everywhere. I like that after washing my brushes - i can take them with me if i needed to use them, knowing they are clean and ready to be used!

Sigma Products:

http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=3346

Sigma Dry'N Shape System:

$29.00 - http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Dry_n_Shape_System_p/ds01.htm?Click=3346

FTC: This product was paid for with my own money, I was not paid to do this review, nor does it alter my view on the product. As always, my reviews are with my HONEST thoughts and opinions.

Gym Session :: 06/13/2011

So yesterday was My Husband's Birthday & also our youngest Daughter's Ballet Recital.. we had tons of fun watching our little one perform! i'll have to edit the video and post it on here - i'll make a separate entry for that :)

Didn't get to go to the gym yesterday due to all the preparations for the ballet recital (i had volunteered as well so had to be there a bit early).. We did go to Kyoto Buffet in Glendale afterwards to celebrate Hubby's Birthday & also to eat - because i was in such a rush - i didn't get a chance to eat (Shame on me, i know!) but today's a better day!

So we dropped off our little ones at school and headed over to the gym - it was really nice and empty! 

I decided to do Back, Shoulders & Chest today and some abs (as usual).. here is what i did:

Back:

- Free Motion machine - Cable Rows - 35lbs - 3 sets of 15 repetitions (this was my warm-up exercise)

- Bent over Dumbbell Rows - 25 lbs each hand - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

- Cable Rows - 75lbs - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

Shoulders:

- Upright Rows - 30lbs (unfortunately i could not find any other weight LOL) - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

- side raises - 12.5lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

- Dumbbell Shoulder Press - 15lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

Chest:

- Chest Press - 65lbs - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

- Dumbbell Flys - 10lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

Abs:

- Crunches - 3 sets of 30 repetitions

had to cut it short because we had to pick up the kids from school.. i'm definitely going to be going tomorrow morning - before hanging out with some amazing ladies (will have to post about it! - i'm way to excited!)

i'm really hating my body right now - aunt flow is going to be here in a couple of days - i'm SO bloated i look ridiculous in all my clothes.. that's also my fault for eating everything that i've been craving (salty stuff haha).. anyway, i'm hoping to add in some cardio tomorrow.. not exactly sure what i'll work out.. but i know i'm going to do it - no excuses! :) alright everyone!

your fit challenge tomorrow is to STRETCH! :) stretching is super important after a workout! :) don't want to injure yourself!  till next time! 

Gym Session :: 06/10/2011

Another day at the gym. today was not my best though - i hate when i have those days.. but anyway.. my workout.




Legs:

- Squats (with olympic bar + weights) 115lbs - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

- Dumbbell Deadlifts 35lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

- Bulgarian lunges with dumbbells - 10lbs each hand - 3 sets of 12 repetitions

Biceps:

- Alternating Seated Dumbbell Curl - 15lbs each hand - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

- Standing Hammer Curls - 15lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

Calves:
- Standing Calf raises (machine) - 90lbs - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

Abs:

- Leg Lifts - 3 sets of 30 (omg was dying LOL)

- Crunches - 3 sets of 30 reps

Also did some shoulder rehab exercises with the free motion machine. my shoulders are so freaking clicky lol..  anyway that was my workout - stopping by the mall later since it's right across the street.. and then head to my favorite sushi restaurant :D

any plans for this weekend?

Gym Session :: 06/09/2011

Another great workout session after work.. I was rather skeptical about going after work (peak hours at the gym) and was worried that all the weights that I wanted to use would not be available - the machines I wanted to use would be taken, etc...

but thankfully - although it was rather busy in there and jam packed (not as bad as the other local gym i used to frequent).. i was able to get my work-out done completely.. at my own pace and bother-free lol.

Today I did upper body.. and here is my workout. I am a bit bloated lately, like i mentioned in previous posting (aunt flow haha TMI).. so i think i've gained a few pounds in water weight - but i'm not stressing too much. 

Not sure if i've mentioned it on my blog - but i have on my twitter... I have joined a "30 day get fit" program.. well it's not really a program - just daily e-mails on my work email address with a challenge - really super easy if you ask me... 

i've been doing well so far - and i'm hoping to keep up the motivation for the rest of this month.

anywho - on to the workout...

Back:

- Lat Pull Down (Machine) - 75lb each hand - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

- Low Row (cable machine) - 60lbs - 3 sets of 8 repetitions 

- Low Back Extensions - no weights - 3 sets of 20 repetitions

Chest:

- Flat Bench Press (olympic Bar + weights) - 65lbs - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

- Incline Dumbbell Press - 15lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

- Dumbbell Flys - 10lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

Abs:

5 sets of 30 crunches on the ab machine (lying down)

3 sets of 15 leg lifts

Calves:
Standing Calf raises - 3 sets of 20 (no weights)

that was tonights workout - loved it! what fitness plans do you have in store for tomorrow?

Winner :: Sigma Beauty Flat Top Kabuki Brush (F80)

Thank you to everyone that participated in my little giveaway! there were only 8 people that entered and all followed the rules (shocking! as this was FREE! and such an awesome brush!).. but glad that it's short and sweet.. 

The winner of the F80 Brush is... :) so remember it was 1 point for the required entry and 2 points for tweeting it & being a twitter follower and another 1 extra point if you followed me on youtube :) so there was a total of 24 entries.

http://wifezillahekela.blogspot.com/

I have already e-mailed the winner and the winner has 24 hours to get in contact with me! :) Congratulations to the winner and I hope that you all will participate in the next giveaway I will have very soon!! :) 

Gym Session :: June 5, 2011

So Hubby and I went back to the gym - to do legs/biceps. We brought the kids with us because they wanted to play in the kids club that the gym we go to offers.. so it was a win-win for us! the girls had fun and hubby & i had fun..


so this was my workout.. i've been feeling rather bloated lately - i think aunt flow is making her way soon (TMI) lol, so i know i'm probably gaining some water weight, which i usually do 1-2 weeks before aunt flow comes.. 


anywho, on to my workout...




Legs:

- Squats (with olympic bar + weights) 115lbs - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

- Dumbbell Deadlifts 35lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

- Bulgarian lunges with dumbbells - 10lbs each hand - 3 sets of 12 repetitions

Biceps:

- Alternating Seated Dumbbell Curl - 15lbs each hand - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

- Standing Hammer Curls - 15lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

And as usual, did abs - i think i did 4 sets of 45.. decided to increase it a bit..  but that was pretty much it - i think this day we went to the mall.. and i bought 2 tops and a romper (my first one ever) from forever21.. not sure if i should do a mini haul.. it'll probably be boring lol.. anyway hope you all had a great weekend!

Gym Session :: June 3, 2011

I worked out Upper Body... Chest/Back and added some shoulder exercises

Back:

- Alternating Dumbbell Rows - 25lb each hand - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

- Low Row (cable machine) - 60lbs - 3 sets of 8 repetitions 

Chest:

- Flat Bench Press (olympic Bar + weights) - 65lbs - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

- Incline Dumbbell Press - 20lbs each hand - 3 sets of 8 repetitions

Abs:

3 sets of 30 crunches on the ab machine (lying down)

3 sets of 15 hanging leg lifts

Shoulders:

Upright rows - 30lbs barbell - 5 sets of 5 repetitions

Calves:
Standing Calf raises - 3 sets of 20 (no weights)

Post Gym Talk (hygiene).. random blogging

Have you ever been done with your workout, only to have to rush doing errands or make a quick stop at the groceries and didn't get time to freshen up or do your post-gym primp as usual?

I actually was given the opportunity to try out the Cottonelle Flushable Moist Wipes and I definitely will say - highly recommended for the lady on the go. 

It's great to put in your gym bag and use it to freshen up after a good workout, or even on your lunch break or anytime you need it. the great thing about it, is not only is it great for on the go, but great to use at home as well. 

You can visit >HERE< to receive a coupon for a $1.00 of Flushable Moist Wipes.

The good thing about the wipes is that they are not scented - they didn't irritate my skin or anything like that. I do like that they are pre-moistened, but wish they could be just a tad bit more wet and flexible lol (they sometimes feel rather stiff) but the material is sturdy. 

If you are a Mommy and have used Huggies wipes, that's exactly how they feel. I personally love the target brand of baby wipes - but these will do just fine.

I know some of you may be like omg - what a weird thing to blog about, but when you care about your hygiene and your like me - i'd like to share any thing i can with those who i know may use it and find it useful! 

Definitely would recommend this for those of you gals (and guys) that need this!

FTC: I was NOT paid to write this article, I was however given a free sample. It was my decision to blog about this and this is my own opinion.