A little Stila and Oscar in my Birchbox November

From Birchbox, "Birchbox is the best way to discover new grooming, beauty and lifestyle products. Sample top products from high-end brands, get expert advice, buy new favorites and earn points with every purchase.

I have great respect for Birchbox as they were one of the original beauty boxes. I was super thrilled with my first box and since then have been either thrilled or pretty disappointed with what I receive each month. I find that I end up with some strange products as well as some that have no value to me. On the other hand I have also gotten some gems in my boxes. 

This month it was no different. 

Anthropologie Dress Sale this Weekend!

Anthropologie does dresses right. They have the best, most adorable yet classy dresses of any website. They are letting us who have limited funds enjoy this perk this weekend with 25% off Anthropologie dresses. This is huge for those who know these pieces can get a little spendy at times. Just a few of my favorites below. 

Love Anthropologie

Anthropologie is one of the greatest fashion websites for women in their 30's (give or take). They are constantly collaborating with fresh new designers to keep their edge. In November they rolled out a new list;

• Alexandra Grecco 
  
• Art/C
  
• Beguile by Byron Lars
  
• EPIC by J.F. & Son 
  
• Gregory by Gregory Parkinson
  
• Imogene + Willie
  
• Nadinoo 
  
• Place Nationale 
  
• Sophie Duran
  
• Swarm
  
• TENOVERSIX
  
• Tracy Reese
  
• Treasure by Samantha Pleet
  
• Vessel by Timo

  I personally can't wait to see what is to come.

My first Glossybox October 2012

Because I have been less than impressed with a couple of my beauty boxes the last couple months I decided to splurge!

Glossybox has a big claim, "GLOSSYBOX is an online subscription service that has fast become a favorite of beauty addicts worldwide." 

I was somewhat intrigued so I thought why not sign up, I can always cancel if I don't like what I get. 

My box came yesterday. I was beyond excited. 

 My first box included:

• Basq Skin Care Calm Resilient Body Oil, 2 oz which is full size (value of $20)
Award winning blend of All Natural Oils packed with skin essential Omegas and Fatty Acids for skin strengthening, toning and protection. Now in a new relaxing Lavender aroma. Ideal for pregnancy, weight loss or toning loose, slack skin. Built to absorb deeply and quickly for intense moisturization and repair. 

• Alterna Bamboo-Luminous Shine Mist, .85 oz. Full size is 4 oz. at $22. This formula combines strengthening pure organic bamboo extract with shine-amplifying organic Indian gooseberry in a weightless finishing mist that polishes any hair type with sheer mirror-like shine. Infused with Color Hold® technology for maximum color retention and nourishing antioxidants that prevent free radical damage, this product also eliminates frizz and flyaways.

• Blood Orange Exfoliating Loofa Soap, Full Size at $8.00

  Radiance is yours, my dears, when you grab a hold of our sublimely sophisticated Blood Orange glycerin loofa bar.   Sheer floral notes join forces with a citrus kick and mellow Italian bergamot for a bar none soaping experience delivering mild moisture and gentle exfoliation.  Leave dry skin behind with a few flicks of this noteworthy disk.
• Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Purity, .5 oz Full size (value of $14)
• Modelco, Lip Duo Lipstick & Ultra Shine Lip Gloss, Full Size (value of $39?) I couldn't actually find where to buy this product online. 

 The Basq body oil is awesome! This is a product that you can get at Saks so I have great respect for it already.

The Alterna Hair Oil was okay. I have used their color care products before and they are nothing I think I would purchase.

The Loofa Soap is genius! Soap and Loofa in one? I wish I had thought of that! Orange isn't the greatest scent in my book but still.

The illamasqua Nail varnish is a peach color which is okay I guess but never a color I would buy on my own. The test will be does it last a couple days.

The Modelco Lip Shine and Lipstick is a great idea. I do not typically wear lipstick but this would be great for someone who does. It even had a little mirror on it. I found it weird that I couldn't actually find this to purchase online.

The box had upwards of $80 in products which was awesome BUT I was reading some other blogs that your "introductory box"is the best one in which you will get full size products and this will not be the case each month. I thought I had just hit a good month. I actually was less impressed with the reviews I saw of previous boxes than most. I will hang on for a couple months to give them a fair chance. 

I love Urban Outfitters

For the record I am well aware of all the horrible things that people say about Urban Outfitters. I am totally liberal and while I may not think everything that UO sells is freaking fantastic, I appreciate the brand as a whole. Even though....I may not completely like the politics involved.

Why I love Urban Outfitters? They are like the weird friend that you have or quirky cousin that you relate to. They get youth and they get trends. I don't love every trend that comes out but that doesn't mean I hate on fashion. I take what works for me and I leave the rest. I could care less in the girl in my office wears a "Eat Less" shirt while I sit across from her inhaling my 3rd donut. To each their own.

I just bought way to much stuff from Urban to revamp my apartment and I couldn't be happier. The quality was good and the look was bright and cheery.

Not for Me

Love

The thing that is so fantastic about them is they are weird, strange and crazy and they embrace it with open arms. They don't care what other people think, if you are looking for a classy, sophisticated look go ahead and visit their sister site Anthropologie where you will find such threads.

Sample Society-September

Sample Society by Allure. I love Allure and I'm becoming a fan of the sample society. Oh and they give you a free year of Allure-BONUS!

I can count on getting 5 or 6 good size samples. No junk, just good stuff. In my box;

Ahava Purifying Mud Mask Deluxe Sample

Not a huge fan, I don't really like the natural beauty scene. I know that's bad but...

Borghese B Gloss, Fiore- Deluxe Sample

Fantastic color and love this brand. Shiny but not too much for everyday. Super moisturizing.

CellCeuticals Extremely Gentle Skin Cleanser Deluxe Sample-2 oz.

Kick ass, 2 oz. is enough to give it a fair shot. Again great brand, super gentle cleanser.

Diptyque Fragrance Sample

Not sure about this, I'm super picky about scents and this is a bit much.

Stila Cosmetics Smudge Crayon, Deluxe Sample

Always love Stila, nice shade for everyday. As far as smudging goes, I'm not sure I have the right technique. 

Like I said, I always know this sample box will be good, Sometimes great. It's a keeper.

September Birchbox-Fail

I'm now officially addicted to beauty boxes. I began with the intent of just trying a few for a few months to decide which to keep and which to ditch. I have yet to decide my favorites.

One thing I can say is that I am super disappointed in the September Birchbox. I usually like my birchbox, although it is not my favorite.

Just to give some back-up to my dis, this was what was in my box.

The Brush Guard Variety Pack-I don't need a net to wash my brushes, I have been doing it for years without problems and these "guards" will probably be used once and then I will lose them if I haven't already.

Birchbox and Color Club® Custom Collection-This is my second bottle of this polish and it is by far the worst nail polish I have ever used. I love the color I just got, I love the color I got previously, but the polish literally is chipped almost entirely off the next day and I am not doing any kind of extreme sports.

twistband™ Lace up for Fall-Hair ties, or one hair tie actually. It is literally a piece of elastic tied at the end. I'm not getting the appeal...

Fekkai Essential Shea Conditioner and shampoo- I love this line but the packet I received will probably not even cover one hair wash.

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm- Not into the beauty balms but this was a nice size sample (.25 oz)

Brush Guards?

I'm feeling seriously under appreciated, the girl in my office got a kick ass box. I'm not giving up on them yet though. That being said they have some making up to do in my book.

Apple and Google just Can't Play Nice

Once best friends, the leader of the web and the god of technology, Google and Apple are not playing nice anymore.

Smartphone screens are next in the line of "take that's".

Apple’s iPhone software, that rolled out last week shows Google what's up. Apple removed two mainstay apps including YouTube from the software. By coincidence? Hardly, both apps removed were that of Googles.

Apple: 1 Google: 0

The removal of the apps show just how low the companies’ rivalry is. Oh ya, and it also says something about the importance of mobile users to their businesses. Consumers? Oh ya them.

“It’s the two big kids kicking sand in the sandbox,” spokesperson said. Yes something like that. It's a little more like throwing punches at this point.

Can't they just stick to what they do best. Google you about monopolizing the web and apple you make computers and phones if you insist.

Having its map service kicked off the iPhone has potentially significant consequences for Google, because the maps feature earns more than half its traffic from mobile devices, and almost half of that mobile traffic has been from iPhone users. Apple’s move strikes at the heart of Google’s core business, search, because about 40 percent of mobile searches are for local places or things.

But consumers may ultimately benefit as the increased competition could mean better maps in the long run. Fantastic. Consumers win after all.

iPhone5 anyone?

Vince Camuto Cuffs

Ahh, I love a good statement bracelet. I feel these are so underrated as the necklace always steals the show. You always hear about the statement necklace and never the bracelet which can make the same impact. The rose gold in particular I love for Fall. Vince Camuto has a beautiful Fall line of accessories and he didn't miss the bus on the cuff bracelet. If rose isn't your thing, stay with the other basics gold, silver and bronze. This Fall wear your brights on your body and your metallics on your wrists and neck. The bright accessories that we love for summer should take a drawer and let your shiny metals come out and play. And the bracelet above, you can thank Aurelie Bidermann for that, find it at Neiman Marcus. 

Loving Now

My newest obsession, Free People. If you haven't seen their new September catalog I highly recommend that you view it. There is something so sexy, feminine and nonchalant about the style for Fall that I can't get enough of. It's motorcycle slick meets boho chick. I have always found that as much of a tomboy streak that I have I still love to be a girl in the most girly way. I love pink, sequins and anything shiny but I also love the laid back moto jacket with broken in boyfriend jeans and a tank I've had for way too long. Fall is the perfect time to embrace your style. You have the option to layer which means in the morning when you are leaving for the day and your wondering about the lace top or the leather crop, throw them both on and call it a statement.

Acne for Adults? Why?

So I was someone who was blessed to not have acne as a teenager and I truly am grateful for that. Not so grateful that I have now come into the ripe age of 30 and have found that my skin is the worst it has ever been. Literally I sit at the beauty counter and look at acne and anti-aging products, that is wrong. I have actually found that a few companies market products for both, such as Murad with there acne fighting, anti aging product line. I am in the 4th week of this line which includes a very nice cleanser and fabulous toner, a "treatment" that I'm still unsure of and a moisturizer that seems decent. Not to be forgotten is the 2-3 times per week mask. I have to say that my favorite esthetician did tell me that I have to actually wait at least 6 weeks before I swear off anything. I love the products however I am not sure if they are doing anything for my skin. It hasn't gotten worse but I haven't seen it get better either, I'm hanging in there at least until my product is gone and then I will move onto the next. 

iphone 4 is old news

Just as we were getting settled with the iphone4 we are now moving into the new era....Apple has gotten to the point where its fans await the release of new iPhones like a life experience. So with the expectation that a new iPhone will be upon us by the end of September, we will be seeing more “leaks” telling us what the phone will look like and what will be in it. The pretty standard rumor out is that the phone will have a bigger screen. Other rumors include the speakers in a new location. Hmmm....who cares. The bigger screen is definitely a game changer, if you are like me than you are weary about the iphone of any generation for the sole reason that you like a wider display you may have found your solution. 

And if you are thinking about trading up, do it now. 

Many companies will let you lock in the price of the trade-in and give you a month to give them the old phone. You will get more money now than after the new phones come out, companies are more likely to assure you a healthy trade-in value now if you don't wait for the massive rush that will come with the new phone release. 

Beauty Bar by Sample Society

My much anticipated Beauty Bar box came at last. I went a little crazy last month and signed up for a few beauty boxes in order to accurately compare and find my favorites. Here is my take on Sample Society.
My Products:
Borghese Tono Body Cream Deluxe SampleJouer Cosmetics Luminizing Moisture Tint SPF 20Sisley-Paris Hydra Globa Intense Anti-Aging Hydration vbeautévbeaute Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Vincent Longo Vincent Longo Duo Lip Pencil
My take on these products:Borghese Cream is awesome. Very hydrating and luscious. Jouer Tinted Moisturizer is laso pretty fab. The cover is a little more than I would expect from a tinted moisturizer and more like a foundation. The color happens to match my skin but I would assume that isn't the case for everyone so I would probably not be as enthused if it hadn't. Sisley-Paris is decent I don't find it better than any other products in the same category. The vbeaute was in such a small tube that I only got to use it twice before it was gone. I was a little disappointed because as a sample, I would hope to use it for a week at least so that I could make a solid decision on whether or not I would purchase a full size. Duo Lip Pencil was the full size product I received which is appreciated however I was a little miffed by the dual sided pencil. The one side, an obvious lip liner in a nice wine color, I am not really a fan of lip liner but I know it is a staple in most beauty bags. The confusion was that the other side was a metallic white. I had no idea what this was intended for. An eyeliner perhaps? Not at my age. I did dabble in white eye liner when I was in high school in 2000 but I have since evolved and moved well past thinking that did me any favors. 
So all in all For $15 per month, you will receive 5 deluxe-sized samples wasn't exactly accurate. I don't feel that I got 5 "deluxe" products but they did include a full sized product so I won't feel too bend out of shape. 

My First Little Black Bag

I just received my first little black bag which to my delight came within only a couple days. I appreciate quick shipping more than most and I am one of those people that pay for overnight shipping because I can't wait to see my goodies. My box showed up nicely wrapped in tissue and contained the two items that were in my bag at the end of the trading period. For those who do not know how LBB works, you choose one item and then LBB gives you 2 to 4 additional products to equivalent $100 minimum. I choose a cute little BCBG Ribbon Watch in a taupe shade. Additionally I was given a pretty Zad bracelet and some nail polish in a nice summer shade. I thought I had done pretty well but I was eager to trade so I began. I was a little disappointed that as soon as my bag was revealed there seemed to be new products that I would have definitely picked rather than the watch. I tried for some purses which seemed to have just come available with no luck. I began getting trade offers for my watch but none of equal value and most not even close to the value of $85 (what my watch was valued at retail however a quick search turned my same BCBG watch on sale sites for $40-50) so I declined them. I did however see some Young Blood Tinted Body Shimmer that I wanted so I made some offers. I offered people my nail polish and bracelet for the YB Tinted Moisturizer and my trade was quickly accepted!

Overall I found that my watch for $85 and the YB lotion valued at $38 was a great deal since I only paid $50 for the bag but I do have to say that so many of the products can be found for less than 50% of what the said value is which makes this less appealing. The TB lotion is pretty rarely found for less so even with the watch going for half the price I still came out ahead. However...the watch really wasn't that great and I thought the tinted lotion was more of a self tanner and in actuality it is a glittery lotion. It's one thing to pay $38 for self tanner but a whole other thing to pay $38 for lotion. I'm kinda bummed so I skipped my bag this month. I found some cute bags offered on the site that had the value been spot on I would have gladly added to my LBB and tried my luck again but I found these products for way less on other sites so I'm sitting this month out.

Beauty Bags Compared Part 1 Sample Society

Which beauty bag is the best? Beauty Bar-Sample Society 
Perks:
Monthly $15 for 5 deluxe-sized samples from beauty brands you know and love as well as some you don't. 
A bonus one-year subscription to Allure magazine.
$15 gift code to redeem on a $50 purchase when you include any product from the brands you've sampled in your order.
Not so Perks:

You don't have any say in what you get each month. Customized deliveries are to come in the future!

My First Birchbox

Birchbox is one of my new favorite things. After waiting a short time on the wait list I was invited to receive my monthly box. Over delighted I started trying to research what my box would contain. I have never been good at waiting for surprises. I found to my dismay and curiosity that some had received different goodies than others. Now I was intrigued, what would my box contain? I heard there was some Stila bronzing serum  in some and I wanted it! A full size at that! I'm not sure how these decisions are made but perhaps it has something to do with the quiz I took i the beginning asking about hair, skin and make-up and how I rated on these things. I have read that this survey is ignored but who knows. All I know is that I got my box, my cute little box full of surprises. I did indeed get the bronzer, I also got the Staniac that I had heard mentioned in other blogs, a small sample of perfume and an anti-bacterial wipe which I found odd. Oh and a little plastic ziplock bag that was to my delight pink and blue cheeta print. The verdict, the bronzer is a little pink toned, not my favorite but still appreciate the full size, the Staniac must take someone with more skill than I have because I end up with two pink stripes on my cheeks and it doesn't seem to "stain" my lips, perfume is a nice summer scent, my handy wipe was used immediately and smelled pleasant and my little bag broke fairly quickly but I did not rather expect it to last long. Overall, I am a happy camper and can't wait to see what the next month brings. I felt the $10 spent was well worth the return and if you order any of the products featured you get bonus points and free shipping. I am not only a sucker for free shipping, I love points and bonuses of any kind.

LORAC

I love you Lorac, the liquid eyeliner that I swore off in high school is back in my good graces. This eye shadow, primer, eye liner, Front of the Line PRO Eyeliner in Black and mascara deal found on beauty.com for less than $40 is the best thing I have seen since Sephora gave gift bags at Christmas. I am also almost never a fan of the primer/mascara. It seems that I can never get the step 2 (mascara) to evenly coat the step 1 (primer). I end up with white/black/grey eyelashes and it's not pretty. This primer was not gooey (for lack of better word) like others I have used AND the mascara had great coverage. The eye shadow is always a good buy from Lorac and I can leave primer any day however I appreciate the gesture. I am now weighing in on the Lorac versus MAC mascara war and the Lorac versus Boxum eye liner. It's a close one. 

Eyelashes-Falsies all the time

Eyelash implants? yes please, bring it on. It's summertime and if you are anything like me you end up with black running down your face on almost a daily basis. I refuse to give up my beloved eyelashes for what some call "summer make-up". Please I don't stop my beauty routine for anything and every little bit helps with accompanied with a bikini. Anything to keep the eyes away from my thighs. I am happy to go foundation free almost any day but the idea of no lipgloss or eye make-up makes me nervous and I am sitting here full faced. Here comes the eyelash extensions. I had never even thought of these until a girl in my office, who is already stunning got a pair and oh my it was almost as if you could tell something was different but couldn't quite put your finger on it. She looked like she had four coats of the best mascara out there applied with a hint of liquid liner and curled just enough, but not too much, unlike the results I usually get which is why I feel the eyelash curler is something that was made by a man. Anyway, point here, she has had them for at least two months and they still look freakin fantastic. And this woman not only has a young child, she works out and is no princess, they lashes when done well are here to stay.

Watch Out-You are Being Googled

Ahhh, the ever comforting idea that every single thing you do on the web is getting monitored is going a little bit further. Here comes BrandYourself, the company that helps individuals control Google results for their names. BrandYourself now allows users to locate who visits their profiles by showing where these stalkers work and their location.

Watch out profile cruisers or hard core stalkers. You can now be traced.

My Bailey

So I thought that having a dog would be fantastic, a buddy to hang around with for those of us who do not like to roll solo. A running partner, a cuddle buddy, a little something to love me for feeding her scraps. Yeah!......And then there is the aspect that dogs are alot like kids or a particular breed of men. they are needy and they want everything in their site. I take my dog for walks on my lunchbreak because she looks just so sad sitting in her kennel. The whole time I walk her, I think, she better realize how good she has it! The dog has taken over my life, I hope she is enjoying herself. I am beginning to think that the dog is taking me for granted. A couple days prior I was leaving to go hiking with a friend. I will bring the dog, she will love it! I get ready, I got to get in the car and does my ungrateful dog follow suit, nope a marathon happens to be cruising past my house and my dog wants to join. Bailey proceeds to harass an all woman marathon as many of these females have brought their canine companions with them. My dog is not subtle, not quite and not polite. She proceeds to jump on every dog/woman and child that passes by, jumping, playing, biting....all while I chase after her, half dressed, yelling, making leaps at the dog with no avail. Oh and not helpful when a handful of b%&^*es start telling me that I should have my dog on a leash, while others scream, who's dog???!!!! I am obviously aware at this point that the dog cant be trusted and am trying my damned hardest to gather myself, my dog and get the hell back to safety. The more the women yell, the more Bailey jumps with joy thinking that this is a big, fat game of chase and it doesn't matter who is winning.....more to come.....

Skinny, colorful jeans, yes please

I like to bitch about what I dont like but there are quite a few things that I do like and colorful, bright jeans/pants/skirts are a go! I love them! I just got a pair of shocking blue pants that hit at just the right place on my ankle and look so cute with short boots, flats or sandals. I like! I hate pants that require a certain style of shoe. I need practical wear that allows me to go from work to play. These colorful spring wonders are so fun and I love the idea of playing up your legs with the pop of color. And they are fun enough for going out and they can be paired with a cute blouse for work....for those of you that have a dress code (lucky for me wearing clothes is about the only requirement for being in SEO).

And I give it my approval.

More trends that dont work

I would like to talk a little about the latest trend of patterns, flower patterns to be precise. I don't understand the head to toe need for anything with the exception of black. I give wearing all black a go, and MAYBE all white- in the summer Only and only if you have a nice bronze to your skin and also only if you are in a tropical/sunny/sandy location. This is not a look to be rocked in the rain for obvious reasons and also not a good look with pale skin unless you like the washed out look. I got off track, try again, the patterns, the different flower top and bottoms. Why? It's another look that no matter how hot you are, does not flatter. Isn't fashion and clothing and dropping your rent money on occasion all about looking good? Shoot if I can't pay my rent/car payment/cell phone bill I better look good doing it.

Google is not to be left out with Drive

Google has announced their new cloud storage, Drive. Now in line with Dropbox, Apple iCloud and SkyDrive, Google Drive allows users to take their files with them virtually everywhere. You may share these files with anyone that you may choose and access them from anywhere that you have internet access. Like other programs, Google Drive gives you 5 GB free and then allows you to upgrade to more storage for a price. You may use this on your Android phone, PC and Mac at this time with iPad and iPhone to come. Go Google, we wouldn't want you to be left in the dust.

Nail Polish-Colors or Nudes??

Okay, so every year at this time I start thinking about getting a manicure and a pedicure for all the fabulous beach vacations that I anticipate taking over the next few months. I have literally seen nails of all colors for spring. I want to know what is okay for the office? I know that this can be a totally skewed question depending on where you work but a best practice guide would be great. I am 30 and I am not sure that I can continue to pull off wearing hot pink and eccentric purples and still be able to maintain a  straight face. Coral has always been a go to and does red ever really go out of style. I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard. That "I just fell into my hair do, make-up and cute outfit" look has always been what I strive for.

Bringing 1993 Back

I don't get the florescent trend. I just can't simply think of a time when wearing neon anything is a good idea, unless you are 11 in the year 1992 as I was or a rave I suppose but that whole seen is a mess. Perhaps I should have saved my neon green Keds. Darn.  Fast forward a few years and I am starting high school and the "hippie-bohemian" look was in. My mother said to me, "you dress just like I did in the 70's, I should have saved all my old stuff for you!. My mom is the greatest but she is not hip or cool, she is a mom and the thought that we would wear anything similar ever was not possible.

I mean these hot chicks above do not look bad, but I wouldn't classify that look as good either. ever.

Starting the news super foods diet!

I love superfoods as you know. I found a great article in Self that features the 10 foods to include everyday, olive oil, salmon, quinoa, kiwi, yogurt(the plain greek kind), eggs, and a few others...I can't honestly remember so apparently I need to research further. Anyway I'm starting the diet today, I'll give an update later!

What Happened to my Swatch?

I grew up in the 90's and if you did too, you know all about the Swatch. I had long forgotten about these colorful, trendy, patterned accessories until I worked for a marketing company that worked with the beloved watch brand. It was like childhood fun all over again going through the pages of faces, straps and colors. I quickly realized that the mixing, matching and self fashion design wasn't the big selling point anymore. It looked like these new swatches came as a whole unit, where I recall a watch face that came with 10 different wrist straps that you could interchange in order to match your outfit or your converse. I only have to laugh when I see that sporty, colorful watches are back in the magazines and think man if I only still had my swatch...and actually quite a few other things I had as a teenager. Oh the irony.

Orange is it for Spring

When Spring comes people start wearing  khaki which is something that I have yet to understand. Maybe it's because I am as brunette as it gets and I picture the fairer haired women in the crisp, casual, sporty pants, skirts and blazers. I don't know that the tan, beige that is khaki has seen the inside of my closet until recently when I realized that I could pull off a bright orange-red tank or deep coral tee before summer if I paired it with a muted  less noticeable color. It is pure genius. It's fun mixed with sophistication and I am loving it, orange shades out for spring 12' are like no other shades I have ever seen and designers seems to unbiased as theses colors are working for brunettes and blonds alike.

Cross Training-Gym Class for Adults

I have just recently taken my first Bootcamp Class which is hard to believe as I have been a fitness guru for years. I have always taken the opportunity to partake in any challenge and do any activity from yoga to extreme sports. Bootcamp or Cross-fit seemed an overpriced way to get in shape where as I could take kick boxing for free and this is what I compared it to for reasons unknown. My gym was offering free classes in attempts to get a year membership out of it. I like the word free when in combination with things I have not yet tried. I am very cautious about signing up for long term commitments without first getting a feel for anything. I found that Cross-fit was better than I had anticipated, but also reminded me way to much of being in gym class as a child. It was a basic warm up with a partner and I have to say when the instructor yelled out "get a partner" the same panic stricken look came across everyone's face that I remembered from my youth. After being recruited from a seasoned "bootcamper" I was instructed on how to rotate (or rather take turns) with my newly found friend. This was followed by a round robin of activities in which you stayed at each activity for 1 minute for a total of 5 stations, and then rested for a minute before going at it again. The instructors were there to cheer you on. I find this highly unmotivating however there must be some reason behind it. The biggest motivation was the same I remembered from 15 years ago, I wanted to be the winner. I was watching the person next to me at all times to make sure I had just enough of a lead, and at least one more "wall ball" than they did. Call me competitive, I hated losing back then and I certainly haven't come to terms with it as an adult. After all was said and done we got into a circle for the 5th time and proceeded to hear a pep talk. Also something I could have gone without. I know that people find these kind of speeches enlightening, I find them irritating. I did my workout and all I want to do is go sit, hydrate and eat. Overall I felt that I was well worked out and am still sore 3 days later in all the right places. Would I do it again? Probably, will I sign up for a membership? No. This is a workout for a certain type of a person, and I don't feel I am that person. I like to do my own thing at my own pace and without the additional motivation that I get from group exercising.

Baking Soda for What?

I have yet to jump on the "beauty tricks from the kitchen" bandwagon. Frankly putting mayo in my hair and smelling like a sandwich for a week does not appeal to me. Nor does putting eye yolks o my face. Some things are just silly. I can however appreciate a couple cucumber slices over my eyes when I am sporting black circles(which is much to often) but I have also come across another well kept secret that doesn't leave me wishing I hadn't given into the vinegar make your hair shiny idea I got from my sister. Baking soda as an exfoliate. I can dig it, no smell involved and it is the perfect grainy consistency you want from any exfoliate. Not to harsh. This was my test before getting my ritual self tan last week and I'm sold. It kept my skin soft, with zero odor and it's like $1 per box. Give it a try, not much to lose...and I hear it's good for aging. Never hurts. 

Super Foods, eat for your body, it's yours for life.

SUPER FOODS!

There was once thought to be 10 superfoods including blueberries, almonds, turkey, olive oil, green tea, oatmeal and a few others. Now we consider almost 100 foods "super" These foods benefit your body in so many ways with brain power, disease fighting properties, the ability to enhance your immune system, and protect against diseases such as osteoporosis, heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and respiratory infections. So where do we draw the line? Once 10, then 20, now 100. Trust me I like to eat and I like that there are so many options out there dubbed "super" but it always makes me wonder when numbers fluctuate so vastly. Consider this, almost any veggie or fruit is considered awesome. Many lean meats, lean fish and proteins made from soy. Calcium rich low-fat dairy with emphasis on soy, rice and almond products. And we all know that chocolate of the darkest variety is included. Throw olive oil in there and you've got it. Super foods in a nutshell.