Motivation!

This month and specifically the past few weeks, I have found myself seeking extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. After devoting the past some odd years of my life (and realistically the rest of my life) to the care of someone other than me-- my Dad, my husband, then my son-- I have been in the mindset that it is now my turn. My turn to  continue my education, find my skinny girl and enjoy the last years of my twenties!

In starting this new venture and outlook, I have often been pinning fun and motivational quotes from Pinterest, they definitely help put words to my new frame of mind.

In addition, a fellow blogger that I have networked with in the beginning of "Two Boys and a Lady" has an entire blog dedicated to motivation, specifically in weight loss and fitness. That type of motivation while helpful for fitness can also transcend into other areas of your life. I interviewed her a while back and wanted to know, "How to get motivated??" Check out her bio and interview below!

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Determined Diva of Got Fat? Get Motivated!

Determined Diva is beginning a new project and would love your support. If you like her BLOG then like her Face Book Fan page for Determined Diva. DD truly loves blogging, writing, reading, and learning new things. When she was in grade-school, she longed to become a writer. Professionally she holds a B.S. in Psychology and a MBA from UMUC. She aspires to become an adjunct professor and write a novel. Bullying is an issue close to her heart as she experienced it first-hand. She lives in NJ and has school aged children whom she teaches to "always believe in themselves" and "never judge others". Determined D. believes, "Blogging allows me to freely express my feelings in detail without judgment". 

The hardest part to exercising is getting and staying motivated, what is your #1 motivator? 

The hardest part to exercising is sticking to a routine.  Starting this past May, I had an excellent routine and exercise schedule, I was exercising four to five times per week.  Now, in November, I fell off schedule due to my children's hectic schedule and some personal matters.   I never stopped exercising, but I did stop my favorite activity - kickboxing.    My advice is never give up, keep pushing forward and find a way to NEVER STOP your routine. 

My #1 motivator is positive people who love what they do.  Their attitudes are amazing and extremely catching.  They are the people who inspire and motivate me, and make me want to keep moving forward!  It also means a lot when someone tells me, I love your BLOG, it is always so positive, that truly makes me motivated to keep going. 

In addition to exercise, nutrition is a big factor in shedding pounds and getting fit. What is your best advice about food?

Always read labels and watch portions!  At one point, I never looked at labels and it definitely showed.  Then one day I decided to look at the label  to a simple bag of potato chips,  I was horrified.  Not only were there about 4 servings in this medium size bag, it was loaded with fat.  Here I was thinking I was only eating 200 calories when it was more like 400 plus calories with 20 plus grams of FAT. Know what you are putting into your body. Steer clear of fatty foods and foods that have a lot of sodium and sugar content.   Cook with healthy alternative ingredients.  It's all of these little things that add up.  Use mustard instead of mayo or ketchup.  Use fat-free dressing or the appropriate serving size.  Less is more :). 

What is your one food indulgence?

Good question!  I have MANY food indulgences.  Chocolate and ice-cream are the biggest.  I have been able to steer clear of chocolate, however, I can't seem to stay away from ice-cream.  If I do get ice-cream, I only order the smallest kiddie size.  I also live on Skinny Cow ice-cream sandwiches; I am allowed to have that three times per week and enjoy every moment.   

Always remember if you mess up every now and again - it's okay.  Don't beat yourself over eating too many cookies or whatever your favorite food may be, if you do you may not stop making mistakes.  Always have a ~ you can do better next time~ attitude! 

What is a good, quick and easy way to throw exercise into our daily routines? Squats while brushing teeth, etc?

Hmm, squats while brushing teeth doesn't sound so BAD.  Occasionally, I do some calf exercises when I wash dishes or every now and again when I think of them.  Walking is a must in my daily routine.  Every morning and evening I walk the family dog.  Walking is great exercise.  It is how I initially took off 30 plus pounds.   Get out of the house and take advantage of the day.  If you have small children put them in their stroller and go for walks daily.  They will love it as will you.  I recommend at least two miles per day at least five times per week.   

What is your goal for your blog? 

I have many goals for my Blog.  The most significant  goal is motivating and helping others with their exercise and fitness journey.  If I motivate one person every day, I will be ecstatic and feel like I accomplished something wonderful.  At times people need that extra push and I want to be there to give it to them.    

Another major goal is networking, I am interested in meeting people with similar goals.  We can help each other help others and make a difference.  I have met a handful of wonderful determined women, including you Rachel, who enjoy helping others and making them feel good about themselves. 

Finally, I am in the midst of writing a book (a suspense novel) and also have some great projects planned.  So I wanted to brush up on my writing skills. 

Determined Diva's links:

Site:   Got Fat? Get Motivated!

Twitter:  @DeterminedDiva1

Face Book Fan Page: Determined Diva

E-mail:  determineddiva@someonegotfat.org



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I am looking forward to continuing to follow Determined Diva's motivational and inspirational site to help get me through the lofty goals I have set forth for myself. I encourage you to take a peak as well and follow her, she is super positive and a great example!


xox
Rachel

Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo

Ladies, grab your hair brushes and wallets, this is a new product from Suave that will be a life changer! Well, at least for me it has been!

My hair is thick and downright unmanageable some days. Washing it, completely drying and styling it happens once in a blue moon. Okay, not that rarely but the days are definitely far and few between. The best thing about this dry shampoo is that it lets me prolong a blow out and saves me time. Time is money, honey!

How to use:




When I do any sort of product review, I make sure that I use it as I would in my everyday life. So check out my before and after pictures. It was literally right before I stepped out the door, just to freshen up the blow out that I had from a day prior. The additional volume is awesome!

You can tell from my before picture that my roots were flat and oily. Taking about an inch section (width, and about the length to my crown) at a time from ear to ear, I spray the dry shampoo from front to back once or twice. After applying the dry shampoo, I gave it a quick run through with a brush and then parted my hair as I normally would. It absorbed all the oil and gave my roots volume on an otherwise flat, boring, throw-a-headband-or-hair-tie-on kind of hair day.

How it works:


The dry shampoo contains Suave's Keralock(TM) Technology which contains Keratin to strengthen hair and ingredients to absorb oil. When applied and combed through, the technology refreshes your hair, extends your blow out and revives volume.


How much?


For just a few bucks, you can add this little trick to your beauty regime to help you get through the days you don't have time to do an entire blow out.

I know for me, my hair type and lifestyle it is perfect. The proof? The empty can. I went through the bottle in about two months, which works out to be a buck and change each month. It is really worth its weight in gold-- the sexy gold canister, that is.

I recommend the product and it is on my list of things to buy this month, should be on yours, too!


xox
Rachel

COVERGIRL Smoky Shadow Blast

You know me, I am always trying to find a way to speed up my makeup routine. Even though I currently have it down to about 8 minutes for a full face. This new makeup I have recently tried is definitely a time saver and more!

COVERGIRL Smoky Shadow Blast is a two in one stick eye shadow. One side is an all over color and the other side is a contouring color to give you that smoky-eye look. The best part about this product is that the colors are expertly matched together. No more fussing through a huge eye shadow palate to see which colors complement. The base color is a rounded tip to help cover you entire lid to your brow bone, the contouring color has a beveled tip on both sides to get in and around your crease.

Check out my quick tutorial on this product.

1. Base color- apply the all over base color on your lid to your brow bone. For extra effect, roll the stick along your inner eye and under the arch of your brow for highlights.

*Be careful when you apply, if you have the stick extended to far, it can easily break, only extend the stick as far out as you need and do not push too hard. Roll it against your skin and for a more dramatic effect, go over the area multiple times instead of pushing too hard. The stick is fragile.*

2. Contour color- Apply the contour color in the crease of your lid. If you want a evening look, go heavy and more than 1/3 of your crease. If you want to go for a daytime look, only do the outer most 1/3 of your crease.  You can also apply the contour color to the upper lash line. 

3. Blend- With either your finger, a Q-tip, or a blending brush, blend any harsh lines of the contour color into the base color to get your desired look. If you want to add more color, just repeat the steps.

4. Finish- Finish off the look by adding a liner and a coat of your favorite mascara. For a dramatic effect, go with a set of false lashes.

Check out the after pictures:

COVERGIRL has 6 expertly paired shades, with one perfect for your skin tone or look you are going for. The color I used for this tutorial is "Purple Plume 810" It is hands down my favorite color of the collection for two reasons:

1. It is perfect for my olive skin tone and brown eyes
2. The base color makes an excellent coordinating lip color! 

The "Bronze Fire 815" can also do double duty if you put the base color on your lips and cover with clear gloss.

In a nutshell- It is a great product at a reasonable price (about $7.50), it is sooo easy to use, lets anyone create a smokey eye. Just treat the stick delicately so it doesn't break. To achieve maximum effect it does require a bit of blending and if your skin tends to be on the oily side, use a eye shadow primer to prolong wear! Definitely a great addition to any busy woman's makeup bag!

Check out COVERGIRL's SmokyShadowBlast website for more information and to take a look at the color duos!

Remember- if you have the right products your makeup routine can be as easy as pie!

xox,

Rachel