Weight Loss Vs. Hypothyroidism

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If you’ve been following my blog for the past couple of months, you’re probably familiar with the weight loss challenge issued to me by coworkers.  I welcomed the friendly push from them to ultimately work toward better health, but I’ve hit several bumps along the way.

Just this past weekend, I sat down with my parents and explained my frustration:  Single-handedly, without any medication or help along the way, I quit smoking.  I couldn’t fathom how something so incredibly addicting was easier to give up than it was to buckle down and see results with all of my weight loss efforts.

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Current Beauty Must Haves.

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Admittedly, I have recently spent a lot of time in and out of various stores, finding all of my current favorite items and discovering some new ones, also.  I will have more to share at a later date, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to tell you about my two new favorite NARS items!  Besides, one is a limited edition palette so if you miss it, you’ll be sorry!

When it comes to my own makeup, I never really try anything new in terms of colors.  I think I’m at a point in my life where I’m comfortable with what I wear on a daily basis and my job doesn’t exactly give me a lot of wiggle room to be funky or creative, so I tend to stick to my very neutral palette.  There’s nothing wrong with that, but every once in a while I see something that really grabs my attention and most of the time I pass them up due to all I’ve just mentioned.  Not this time!

1.  NARS Trio Eyeshadow in Ramatuelle, $45.  As previously stated, I tend to shy away from anything not really considered a neutral tone and I’m not really breaking any new ground with these, but the silver and apricot are definitely colors I don’t use.  I couldn’t leave without this one.

2. NARS Blush in Amour, $28.  For quite some time now I’ve had a genuine obsession with coral.   I have shirts, dresses, lip tint and even pants in the color!  The girl working at my local Sephora tried this color on me, and it was perfect.  Amour is a beautiful coral-ish kind of pink hue, with little to no shimmer, which is so important for me as I’m constantly trying to hide my incredibly oily skin.

Anyway, these two items have absolutely dominated my morning makeup routine already, and it couldn’t have come at a better time with the weather as gorgeous as it’s been. What are some of your current favorite beauty products?  I’m always on the market for something new, so please don’t hesitate to send me your suggestions!

30 by 30.

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Admittedly, it has been a little while since my last post.  I wanted to take the time to thank everyone for making it such a huge success; I was hoping it would be well received, but I did not expect to receive so many messages, tweets, re-blogs, and shares on Facebook about it.  I am incredibly grateful and I hope to continually write the kind of content that interests you.  However, I haven’t really known where to go from that article, so I chose to remain silent.  I believe I needed a little bit of time to reflect on what road I really wanted to go down with this site, and overall, nothing has really changed for me.  I still want to write about the things I love, and the things that interest me.  Regardless of the topic.  Which leads me here…

There is a popular link floating around on Pinterest (follow me here!) about the thirty things women should know and have by age thirty.  If anyone knows anything about me, it’s that I am very partial to lists… and more than creating them, I enjoy crossing things off of them.  I was once gifted a Listography book and still consider it one of my favorite gifts I’ve ever received.  Anyway, in honor of my interest in lists, here are 15 things women should know by age 30, and 15 things women should have by age 30.  The items I’ve already accomplished have been bolded, and I promise before the time I’m 30 (I’m 25 now), I will have this entire thing completed.  Please share with me the ones you’d like to achieve and the ones you already have, as well!

By thirty, you should have…

  1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.
  2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
  3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
  4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to  be seen carrying.
  5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.
  6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
  7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age, and some money set aside to help fund it.
  8. An e-mail address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account — all of which nobody has access but you.
  9. A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded.
  10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
  11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.
  12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself just because you deserve it.
  13. The belief that you deserve it.
  14. A skin care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30.
  15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better.

By thirty, you should know…

  1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.
  2. How you feel about having kids.
  3. How to quit a job, break up with a man, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
  4. When to try harder and when to walk away.
  5. How to kiss in a way that perfectly communicates what you would and wouldn’t like to see happen next.
  6. The names of the secretary of state, your great-grandmother’s names and the best tailor in town.
  7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.
  8. Where to go — be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a yoga mat — when your soul needs soothing.
  9. That you can’t change the length of your legs, the width of your hips, or the nature of your parents.
  10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
  11. What you would and wouldn’t do for love or money.
  12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for too long.
  13. Who you can trust, who you can’t, and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
  14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
  15. Why they say life begins at 30.

What’s in your Food?

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Recently, Starbucks has come under attack because of their use of cochineal bugs in strawberry frapuccinos.  This is not new news: just a few years earlier, Dannon and Yoplait were also found “guilty” of using crushed beetles as a form of adding a pretty, pink hue to their products.  Unfortunately, for consumers who are uneasy about creepy-crawlers, this is a process that has been going on, unnoticed, for decades.  Rest assured, this process for creating shades varying from light pink and orange, as well as red and purple is much easier on our systems than the alternative, which involves coal tar and ingesting gases which are burned off from coal during the process.

In light of recent uproar, I have compiled a list of everyday food items and some of the not-so-edibly-friendly ingredients that comprise our beloved, tasty (and ultra processed) treats.  And stick around for number 10 — this ingredient will make crushed beetles look like a cakewalk!

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Week One: Weigh In.

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Last week was the first full week of my on-plan weight loss challenge.  I’m happy to report:  I’ve lost 3.6 lbs!  Not bad right out of the gate, huh?!

My highlight of the week:  I tried Zumba for the first time.  It was fun, and I burned 700 calories in an hour, which is an accurate read off my heart rate monitor, from a chest strap I wear while working out.
My downfall of the week:  On Saturday, I went to dinner with my parents and caved for a few bites of a chocolate skillet cake.  It was like a little piece of heaven, of course, but I should have shown more willpower than that.

I spent the week on the road for work.  To be more specific, I drove over 1,000 miles.  The majority of my meals were made at restaurants or in the hotel, which is obviously not the ideal setup for weight loss and trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  This just goes to show it can be done, even under the worst circumstances.  So, if you’re at home and you’re reading this, and you want to do something about your weight, stop making excuses!  You have everything you need to make a positive change in your life, right at your fingertips.  It can come much easier for you than it does for me if you put your mind to it.

There is a really good chance you’re assuming I had to have eaten very plain, boring meals, but I assure you that wasn’t the case.  In fact, one evening I took a client to dinner, and he made a comment that I “ordered better” than he had.  Continue reading for photos and a few tips on surviving travel while obtaining a specific weight loss goal.

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Weight Loss Challenge.

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It has been a few days since I originally discussed the proposed weight loss challenge, which you can see here.  I guess I should clarify a bit: I mentioned in conversation that I’d like to lose 40 lbs. by July 23rd, which is the start of our week long sales meeting in northern Minnesota.  He responded by offering a “cash incentive” because 40 lbs. seems a little steep to him, but he doesn’t know what he’s up against.  That money is mine.

I’ve had a little bit of time to figure all the in’s and out’s of this ordeal.  So, this past Monday (March 9,2012) marked the first day of a 40 lb. weight loss challenge, ending July 23rd.  The goal, broken down, is 2 lbs. per week, which is healthy and sensible.  If I worked a typical 9-5 job in an office setting, I would have absolutely no doubts in my abilities to reach this goal.  However, I travel so much for work (at times, I’ve driven over 1,500 miles in one week!) that I practically live in my car and various hotel rooms.  I don’t have the luxury of cooking my meals in the comfort of my own home.  Come to think of it, there isn’t much structure to my life on the road: rarely do I spend the night back to back in the same hotel, so most of the time I never even unpack my clothes (I am fashion forward, and this is a travesty, I promise.)

Truth be told, I’m lucky if I’m not on the road four nights each week.  Life on the road is not ideal for attempting weight loss.  Luckily, hotels have tried to make accomodations for people who are active by providing fitness centers.  If you’re really lucky, you’ll stay at a hotel across the street from a gym, and they’ll give you a free pass for each day you’re staying with them, but I don’t run into that instance very often.  And don’t get me started on the food that’s offered each morning at hotels, or the choices you can make while you’re on the road.  Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, beats cooking at home where you know exactly what’s going into your food.

My plan for the next 20 weeks is to prove that weight loss can be done, regardless of where you are in your life, if you want it bad enough.  I’m a very empathetic person and I understand how tough this is, but I also think everyone is their own worst enemy, and making excuses will only hurt in the long run.  So, if I can lose 40 lbs. by July 23rd, given my ridiculous circumstances (face it, odds are against me) then I can’t find a reason why anyone couldn’t buckle down and make healthy choices.

I’m going to stay in hotels with fitness centers so there are never any excuses for missing activity.  I’m going to spend at least 60 minutes everyday working out.  I’ll be logging my progress on my blog so you’ll see first hand the food choices I’m making, how many calories I’m burning, the recipes I’m using (when I’m home to cook my own meals,) and all sorts of tips and tricks along the way.

If you care to participate in a weight loss challenge with me, please let me know!  Or if you’re just coming along for the ride, that sounds good, too.

Five Minute Makeup.

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In the world of beauty products, there are about 10 million things going on all at once.  Just yesterday, I opened an e-mail discussing how to replicate colored mascara which was recently seen in Paris during a runway show.  Every magazine I’m subscribed to (there are quite a few) talk about the current, trendiest looks, and most of these magazines are never talking about the same trends.

Occasionally, I like to test the waters with my makeup and beauty products, as well, and the drawer under my vanity will gladly show you what I mean, but in separate housing from the rest of my rarely worn makeup, I have my “quick fix” — the products I use every day that make me feel put together, but never over the top.  It’s also my five-minute regimen, which I believe all women have (and if not, then they should!)  Here’s what mine looks like:

1.  bare Minerals matte foundation with SPF 15.  I love this stuff!  I have very oily skin and hair, so I am careful about what I put on my face, but this keeps me covered and I never have to worry about a shiny face that reflects light.  2.  Benefit Beauty Remove It Oil-Free Makeup Remover.  Okay, so I’ll admit this doesn’t really go on, but I use it every day to remove my makeup.  Just a dab will do!  It has a nice scent to it, as well.  3.  bare Escentuals bare Vitamins Prime Time foundation primer.  I apply this before my bare Minerals matte foundation and it makes such a difference.  I feel like my makeup stays where I want it to stay, and it doubles nicely for holding my eyeshadow in place (no creasing, either!) all day.  Extra points: it feels silky smooth on your skin.  4.  Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner in Mat Black.  I use just a touch of this daily, and there are a lot of color options.  I had never used liquid liner beforehand, but I am incredibly impressed with how easy this one applies.  The wand is long enough that you can use it safely without creating shaky lines.  My only complaint is the “lid” on the inside of the bottle, which is designed to remove excess liner from the brush: it has a tendency of coming out of place.  5.  Urban Decay eyeshadow in Toasted.  I found this color in my Naked Palette, and I’ll need to go out soon to purchase the eyeshadow on its own.  Unlike how it’s displayed here, the color is rather light and very neutral.  6.  CoverGirl LashBlast Luxe in Black Cabernet (which is brown.)  Now, I tell everyone I know to spend the money for good makeup because there is a huge difference, so when it comes to mascara, I’m quite a hypocrite — admittedly.  However, I have tried several high-dollar brands for mascara and have had zero luck finding any that I like.  That being said, I love LashBlast.  The color is supposed to have some shimmer to it, but all I’ve really noticed is that it looks a little more subtle because the color isn’t so vivid, which I like.  I love the brush in all LashBlast products, it’s different from any others I’ve seen and it does a nice job separating and coating lashes evenly.  7.  Benefit Beauty Total Moisture Facial Cream.  This should be first on my list because it’s the first item I reach for everyday.  I love this cream… which should be fairly obvious because I’m willing to pay $40 for it!  A little goes a long way, and after just a few days, I noticed a huge difference in the way my skin looked and felt.  After removing my makeup for the night, I often apply this before bed.  This also has a pleasant scent to it.

Now, there are a few things I left out which I use regularly, but I wouldn’t say daily.  NARS often tops that list — both my blush and lipstick come from NARS, as well as several eye shadows and eye liners.  Aside from CoverGirl LashBlast, all items can be purchased from Sephora!

What items do you use daily that you couldn’t go without?