Tip Tuesday :: 7 Stretches that will take you from tired to bright-eyed :: Total Beauty

7 STRETCHES THAT WILL TAKE YOU FROM TIRED TO BRIGHT-EYED

Hi Everyone - Happy Tuesday! it's always a good idea to start your day off by stretching - here is a really good article on 7 stretches that will take you from tired to bright-eyed in no time.

Why is it that we torture ourselves by hitting "snooze" multiple times every, single, day?

Does it really make us feel more awake after we get those measly 10 additional minutes of sleep? And are we actually even sleeping quality sleep when we know that darn beep, beep, beep … is going to go off at any second? We think no.


That's why we're here to suggest a new approach. Why not take these 10 precious minutes and do something more productive with them, something like a quick, easy yoga routine -- a perfect stretching workout for women -- that will help you look and feel great every day.

We sat down with Kimberly Fowler, owner of YAS Fitness Centers and author of "The No Om Zone" and asked her to create a mini yoga series that would help wake you up, put pep in your step and sharpen your mind. This combination of moves will get your body going by working out kinks, getting your blood flowing and it'll give you precious time for yourself -- to help you set your intentions for the day.

The best part is, you don't need a mat, snazzy workout clothes or anything. Just you, the floor and these poses that you'll aim to hold for 45 seconds to one minute each.

So are you ready to try this -- tomorrow? We are. It's sure to be much less annoying to our partners who may not have the same affinity for that darn snooze button.

See the yoga stretching moves that'll kick off your day -- now.


TO See the stretches/exercises to start your day, click the original article HERE

Tip Tuesday :: 4 tips for faking Bright eyes :: Total Beauty

Hi Everyone! I know it's been awhile since my last "Tip Tuesday" and the past few tip tuesday's were on fitness, so I wanted this one to be about beauty! I picked this from this awesome website total beauty to share with all of you! :)

Four Tips for faking bright eyes

Tip 1: Apply cold cucumber slices 

I know, I know. You've heard this a million times before, but that'sbecause it works. Place a single slice of cold cucumber over each eye; then relax (with your head propped up on a pillow) for 15 minutes, trying very hard not to fall back to sleep. The cooling, soothing properties of this green veggie help to de-puff swollen eyes. Timesaving trick: Keep a baggy of pre-sliced cucumber in your freezer. 

Tip 2: Camouflage 

Apply three dots of a hydrating eye cream below each eye, then blend into the surrounding area (careful not to encroach on your lashline or your mascara will smudge all day). Opt for a product with light-reflective pigments or brightening ingredients to make eyes appear even larger, luminous, and all-around fresher. (Try Olay Total Effects Line & Dark Circle Minimizing Brush, $21.99.) 

See the 4 tips for faking bright eyes HERE

Motivational Monday

I Know for those that have been super relaxed over the weekend, it's hard to get back into the Monday grind... but I thought it'd be great to start today off with something motivational. 

So as the picture states, If you change nothing, nothing will change. When I first started my blog I had just started working out.. prior to that - I had always complained about my weight. I was super unhappy with how overweight I was after having my 2nd baby. I looked at family pictures and just wanted to scratch my face out of them. 

It wasn't until I had seen this picture circulate (many times now , on numerous websites) and seen many quotes stating the same thing.. that it hit me.. if i keep complaining about how much i dislike my body and keep eating the same junk.. nothing will change..

it was then when I really wanted to change - I wanted to change for myself. I wanted to be a good role model for my kids :) and my inspiration was my husband. this is what kicked me into high gear! you can't complain about not being happy if you do not do something. whether it be with your diet, body image, happiness at home - if you don't change, nothing will change. 

so i hope this motivates you to do something.. anything :) Happy Monday

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Item: Milani Baked Bronzer in "05 Soleil"

Price: $9.00-$12.00 + tax depending where it's purchased

Where to Buy: Target, CVS, Ulta

Pros: 

• Long-Lasting 
• Can be worn alone (no blusher needed)
• very blendable
• Buildable
• good amount of product
• great for variety of skin tones

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

Gym Session :: 09/27/2011

My BFF Jayline had invited to take me and my two daughters (and her two daughters) out for lunch for a late bday present (so sweet of her!) and of course if there's food involved - i'm there! lol


So we decided that it'd be best to work out first, so we decided to meet up at the gym and bring the girls to the kids club. I showed her the ropes on working out with weights as she normally did not do that.


We worked out Chest/Back and did one calve exercise. Here is what I did today.:

Back:

- Cable Rows

60lbsx5

60lbsx5
60lbsx5
60lbsx5
60lbsx5

- Lat pull down machine

50lbsx8

50lbsx8
50lbsx8

- High Hammer Rows (alternating)

25lbsx12 

25lbsx12 

25lbsx12 

Chest:

- Bench Press (flat)

45lbsx5

45lbsx5

45lbsx5

45lbsx5

45lbsx5

- Incline Dumbbell Press

17.5lbsx8

17.5lbsx8
17.5lbsx8

- Pec Flys

10lbsx10

10lbsx10

10lbsx10

Calves:

- Seated Calf raises

25lbsx8

25lbsx8
25lbsx8


After our workout, we had to have lunch because we were all starving (mind you i did have a protein shake prior to our workout, but guess baby was still so hungry). I decided to get the garlic fettuccine which was o-m-g delish. probably not the best choice of food for me, but hey - you only live once :) plus i rarely eat out anymore, so it was a nice treat to have.


Afterwards, we stopped by the mall which was where the restaurant we ate at was located.. went to MAC to test out the new matchmaster foundation, which i was colormatched to 2.0 (i'm normally NC25).. but i didn't buy it, wanted to read more reviews before really settling on that foundation. 


Stopped by sephora afterwards to redeem my birthday gift for VIB members. the gift was a bottle of the philosophy birthday cake shower gel, smells just like birthday cake - a real treat!  afterwards had to leave because it was my oldest daughter's back to school night.. so picked up my hubby and went.. i'm so proud of my Big girl :) 


i'm a happy preggo tonight :) i've got midterms tomorrow.. must.. sleep :D 

My Review was on the front page of Beautylish.com

just noticed that my review was on the front page of beautylish.com! :) okay i KNOW it's not a big deal lol - but i always get excited when i see things like that!  see if you can spot my little avatar..


and if you aren't following me on beautylish, please do so www.beautylish.com/myfitbeauty

What Motivates me to stay/get Fit

I know that some of you that follow my blog, have seen my posts in the past of my husband's workout videos.. but I really am so proud of him! He truly does inspire me and a lot of others to stay fit.


He recently joined an online body transformation competition and i wanted to share with all of you his progress so far.


the picture on the left was taken on 08/28/2011 and the picture on the right was taken little less than a month later at 09/21/2011. you can see how he has leaned out and is totally getting shredded :)

One of our two squat racks in our garage. :) we recently just moved 

both of them together on the other side. :) picture to come soon.

Yes that is my Mitsubishi Lancer Evolotion X :P

If you guys didn't know - my husband was the main reason why I started working out back in January 2010. I had always complained that I was fat, I hated my clothes because they didn't fit.. but yet I never wanted to do anything about my weight. I was your typical average person that wanted the easy way out (ie: diet pills, starvation diets).. but My husband truly was the one who opened my eyes! 


Just to give you a little background on My AWESOME husband. he had dislocated his ankle in 2008 and it was so bad it did not heal properly as the ortho doc expected it (because of how he dislocated it the Doc said).. He had a really long recovery process after the dislocation.. he was in a cast and was STILL going to the gym everyday.. 


Not only that - but he had to have micro-fracture surgery (meaning they had to break the bone to fix it) because like mentioned his ankle did not heal the way the orthopedic surgeon/MD had expected it. Even after he had surgery he was up a few days after at the gym! Talk about Dedication.. if you want to know - My Husband is the total definition of it :)


He has been doing this for 5 years and i'm so proud of his progress. Although I did lose 21 lbs after my second daughter - I was real proud of myself because My Husband and my kids always supported me. Although I am pregnant now and not so flattering looking, my husband has supported my decision to stay active and still work out. so if you want to know why i'm dedicated - it's because My Husband. My True inspiration! :)


Another inspiration of mine is My Cousin Hazel :) She's had 3 babies and she Looks AMAZING. 

She started her journey July 7, 2010 (her before picture)

And this picture was afterwards:

Pic on left taken: 02/20/2011

Pic on right taken: 03/15/2011

I just hate that she lives all the way in Germany! I know if she lived closer, we'd be tearing it up at the gym! She just recently got into CrossFit and been really enjoying seeing her do the same things I do (squats, deadlifts etc).. she's a true inspiration to me because now that i'll have 3 babies - I KNOW i can get back to pre-pregnancy size in no time. :)

And I know you've probably seen these already, but these are the only videos I have of me working out.. i hope to have many more soon though :) Me doing Squats and Rack pulls below:

This was in April 2011 - I was 122lbs
I am squatting 135lbs. 

Also 135lb rackpulls. 

What inspires you? :)

Gym Session :: 09/22/2011

Hi Everyone! I know it's been awhile since my last post! :) But school is just really kicking me in the rear right now. hopefully you guys understand :) that and my pregnancy has been really making me super tired than usual.


So with that said, Today is my birthday (I'm 26! woot!) lol.. and yes I did spend my birthday morning at the gym. It was my first time back after my Doctor gave me the A-Okay to exercise. I of course wanted to take it kinda slow.. but i did however enjoy my workout.


here's what I did! (I didn't lift as heavy as i normally do)

Legs:

-  Barbell Squats

55lbx5

55lbx5
55lbx5
55lbx5
55lbx5

- Leg Press

50lbx8

50lbx8
50lbx8


- Seated Leg curls
60lbx12
60lbx12
60lbx12

Biceps:

- Alternating DB bicep curls

15lbx5

15lbx5

15lbx5

15lbx5

15lbx5

- Standing Hammer Curls

12.5lbx8

12.5lbx8

12.5lbx8

before I started on the weights, I did walk on the treadmill for about 15 minutes to "warm-up".. I did have to take frequent breaks because, my doc told me not to get overheated and drink plenty of water - which I did..  so i'm proud of myself I went to the gym! :) I'm definitely going to be adding this to my daily routine. I have to add the gym in there :) I know it's only beneficial to me! 

Since I'm currently not working and Hubby is the only one working - we're really on a super tight budget, so we couldn't really afford to spend a lot of money; which i'm perfectly okay with. I really don't need any gifts because i've got everything I've ever wanted already! (an amazing husband, 2 adorable girls, a baby on the way, a house and supportive friends and family - what more could a girl ask for?)

so hope you all enjoy the rest of your week and weekend! :) I believe my in-laws are going to be treating me out to eating at an aweeesome restaurant called Gyu-Kaku for a late lunch for my birthday (have to pick up my oldest kiddo) 

Random Blogging :: What I've been up to..

Hello All! I know it's been ages and ages since my last post - but from my previous post you'll know why i've been so extremely busy. I started school (I'm going to a school, a bridge program LVN - BSN) on August 29th and it's been really crazy! I knew it was quite an accelerated program, but I wasn't expecting it to be SO fast. we literally cover 5 chapters in one day and have a test every week in each of my classes. I have 3 and omg they are just so mentally draining. 


So the reason why I have not been able to blog is because of my school and also both my kiddies have started school as well! My oldest daughter is in Kindergarten and my youngest is in Preschool. so it's been a busy house and of course My husband has been working very hard :)


I'm very glad though that I did decide to go back to school - it's a small sacrifice for a lifetime of better for my family and myself. My expected graduation date would be June 2014, but considering I'm going to have my baby in March of 2012 - i might/might not take a little break (a month or even a few weeks) depending on how i'm doing in school and my recovery etc.


I have my upcoming prenatal appointment in about a week to see how baby is doing :) i know i'm only barely about to be 12 weeks, but i already have a small belly. but i'll show you guys when i'm about 15-16 weeks. 


I'm really hoping to have some more content on here soon - but i honestly don't know if i'll ever have time consistently lol. well after every semester i have a break so maybe then i'll be more active! but as for now i'll just post my random bloggings here and there and hope that you'll all still be interested to read them! :)


hope you all have a great weekend!

Fitness & Pregnancy - Still Very possible!

Hi Everyone! TGIF! So it's official - I start school on Monday - i'm both excited and nervous because it's been like 6-7 years since i was in school (yes I went to nursing school for my LVN in 2003 literally right after high school). 


so anyway, i'm very much excited until my next prenatal appointment when my Doctor clears me to exercise! the reason why I was told i was not to exercise was because there is a high chance of miscarriage in the first trimester. the doctor said unless I had been doing my same exercise for 2 years then i needed to stop for now.


I had only been doing my exercise regimen for about a year with a few breaks here and there. I was really bummed because I did lose 21lbs and was still continuing to do so and building lean muscle (or what some people mistake for being "Toned"). I was really proud of my shoulders/arms - they were getting really lean.. lol and now with the first two months of pregnancy i'm SO bloated.. i've gained about 6 lbs (i think you're only supposed to gain like 4-5lbs the first trimester).. so right now i'm really just trying to maintain this weight and not gain anymore for the rest of my first trimester (only 3 more weeks) and so far i'm doing okay. 


I am not planning on losing weight at this time though as that is not good for the baby. the biggest misconception that a lot of people (myself included in previous pregnancies) is that when you are pregnant you must eat for two. but that is only a myth! you really only need to increase your caloric intake by about 300 or so calories.. 


Last pregnancy, those were my thoughts - i'll eat this and that because i need to eat for the baby.. it really hindered my weight loss after I had my daughter. so this pregnancy i'm going to be more active - it's my goal during this pregnancy to not be lazy, of course i'm going to listen to my body and slow down when i'm tired, etc. but im not going to have that be an excuse to be lazy. because that's just not me - that was probably the old me.. but fitness has really changed the way i look at a lot of things and i'm hoping those that follow my blog and youtube/twitter will be inspired to stay active and fit during pregnancy! (of course always consult with your medical doctor before beginning any exercise regimen) also if you plan on getting pregnant - i really recommend exercising before - so your body gets used to it! 


i know some of you may be thinking - what type of exercising i had in mind... well the same exercise routines i had been doing previously (yes lifting weights).. not going to do overly heavy or try to go for a new personal record or anything, but also going to incorporate a little bit more cardio and some yoga.


so hope you are all excited as much as i am on my fabulous fit pregnancy journey! :) and with that - i'll leave you with my favorite videos of pregnant women exercising! :)

 P.S. i am not affiliated with any of these people, nor am i a crossfitter, i just enjoyed these videos.

A Pleasant Suprise

Hello All! I know it's been ages since i've posted anything. My computer has been wack the past few months so i can't really do much on it. I however have been a little bit more active on twitter since i can just tweet on my phone :)


But I know from my previous post I said I was going to announce something if I had time - obviously got so busy that I was not able to.. but since I can now... :)


If you follow me on twitter - it was announced the same day that i posted i had something "Big" to share with you all!


well for those of you that do not know, My Husband & I are expecting baby number 3! :) yes not, one.. two.. but number 3!! :)


we are so excited and feel so blessed! We were originally trying for our third baby the beginning of this year, but wasn't have much success doing so, so we though we would put it aside. but nonetheless we are very much excited and cannot wait to meet Baby Bean!


the reason I also have not been so active on my blog and youtube besides my computer issues - was work was extremely stressful.. and My husband and I have decided that it's time for me to quit wasting time and enroll in school as a full-time student for my bachelors in science nursing (for my R.N.) .. so I had been studying extremely hard for the past few weeks for my entrance exam for school (I passed!) so if everything (just finalizing everything) goes as planned - I will start school August 29, 2011! I have already spoke with my school advisor about my pregnancy and any effect it may have on school, but from the looks of it - i'll be just fine! I have a great support system and I'm ready to take the bull by the horns and get my education going! 


For those of you who do not know - I am currently and L.V.N. and was slowly taking pre-reqs online.. it was taking me forever as I was working full time and having two little ones - school was pushed to the side. so i'm really glad that i'm actually going forward and pursuing this! it's going to be tough - but then again i'm one tough cookie! It'll be sooo worth it in the end!


My doctor said at my first prenatal appointment (on 8/17/11) I was 8 weeks along and here is the picture of me finding out i was preggers & combined it with my first ultrasound pic of baby!

At this appointment I wanted to make sure I was clear and okay to work out still - but my doctor said it was best to wait until after the first trimester until i do any exercising due to the chances of miscarriage so early on. So I cannot wait until after my first trimester when i can go back to the gym! 

I'm hoping with this pregnancy - I can show all of you (pregnant or not) how it is possible (with the "Okay" of your healthcare provider) to stay active and exercise during pregnancy! i think it's extremely important to stay active during pregnancy! not only will it benefit you during the labor, but also will help you bounce back a LOT quicker afterwards! 

So I hope you all will join my pregnancy journey! :) 

Gym Session :: 08/14/2011

Hi Everyone! I know it's been awhile since my last post - but life has decided to give me a curveball and i'm just trying to keep up! I do also have a reasoning for my absence on here as well as youtube/twitter.. but for those of you who follow me on twitter - i've dropped hints here and there and have also talked to people on twitter about it :) so yea.. but after today (if i'm able to) will post all about it! :) 

anywho - went to the gym on Sunday and i was so fatigued/dizzy had to not lift as heavy and go as hard as i normally did..

Hubby & I have been going to the Burbank 24hr fitness.. and really enjoying it!

Back:

- Bent Over Dumbbell Rows (one side at a time)

20lbsx5

20lbsx5

20lbsx5

20lbsx5

20lbsx5

- Cable Rows

40lbsx10

40lbsx10

40lbsx10

40lbsx10

- High Hammer Rows (alternating)

25lbsx12 

25lbsx12 

25lbsx12 

25lbsx12

Chest:

- Bench Press (flat)

45lbsx5

45lbsx5

45lbsx5

45lbsx5

45lbsx5

- Incline Barbell Press

45lbsx8

45lbsx8

45lbsx8

- Pec Flys

10lbsx10

10lbsx10

10lbsx10

afterwards decided to do some really light cardio of fast paced inclined walking on the treadmill for 15 minutes and then another 10 minutes on the stationary bike..  let me tell you - i was really pooped lol.. gah! going to try to go again this afternoon :) enjoy the rest of your week everyone!

Gym Session :: 07/30/2011

Hi Everyone! so if you have not noticed by now - my usual routine consist of 4 days.. and this is the start (Day 1 - Chest/Back)

We have been currently loving going to the new gym in burbank - it is SUPER awesome! 

Back:

- Bent Over Dumbbell Rows (one side at a time)

30lbsx5

30lbsx5

30lbsx5

30lbsx5

30lbsx5

- Cable Rows

60lbsx5

60lbsx5

60lbsx5

60lbsx5

60lbsx5

- High Hammer Rows (alternating)

35lbsx8 

35lbsx8

35lbsx8

Chest:

- Bench Press (flat)

65lbsx5

65lbsx5

65lbsx5

65lbsx5

65lbsx5

- Incline Dumbbell Press

17.5lbsx8

17.5lbsx8

17.5lbsx8

- Pec Flys

10lbsx10

10lbsx10

10lbsx10

after the gym session - Hubby and I invited my brother and his GF Karen to come with us to the beach to go bike riding on the bike trail. let me tell you.. it was FUN! did about 8 miles on the bike having fun with the kiddies in tow..

after the fun at the beach, we all went home - cleaned up and then got ready for a night of bowling.. it was an awesome saturday! hope you all had an awesome weekend!

Tip Tuesday :: Summer Sun

Hello Hello! Another Tip for Tip Tuesday!


It's summer alright! with the Sun beaming down on us at 90+ degree weather - totally loving it! so the tip for this summer - Sunscreen for skin, face and hair! use a heat protectant to your hair as well because your hair needs protection from sizzling in the sun! 


also keep yourself very hydrated! I know when your busy and on the go - it may be hard to find time to hydrate yourself - but keep a small water bottle in your purse or bag or at your desk at work and remember to drink, drink, drink! 


doing these steps will not only benefit you in the long run by protecting your skin from sun damage - but hydrating yourself is just an all over health benefit! 


Have an AWESOME tuesday!